waxflower

Hoya · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (5 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Waxflower, scientifically known as Hoya, is a captivating genus of tropical climbing plants celebrated for their stunning, star-shaped blooms. Often called porcelain flowers due to their waxy texture, these resilient succulents feature fragrant blossoms and lush, trailing foliage, making them a beloved choice for indoor gardeners worldwide.

Family
Apocynaceae
Native range
Asia-Temperate
Parts used
Not available
Common names
Wax Plants · Waxflowers
Scientific synonyms
Clemensiella · Plocostemma · 20 more

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Hoya

Synonyms

Regional and Traditional Names

Spanish:

  • Madangia
  • Plocostemma
  • Centrostemma
  • Otostemma
  • Antiostelma
  • Cystidianthus
  • Acanthostemma
  • Schollia
  • Cyrtoceras
  • Pterostelma
  • Sperlingia
  • Micholitzia
  • Physostelma
  • Triplosperma
  • Plantas de cera
  • Plantas asiáticas de cera
  • Plantas de cera

German:

  • Wachsblumen
  • Porzellanblumen
  • Wachsblume
  • Porzellanblumen
  • Wachsblumen

French:

  • fleur de cire
  • fleur de porcelaine

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Gentianales, it is classified under the family Apocynaceae. Ultimately, its specific taxonomic designation is placed within the genus Hoya.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Gentianales
Family Apocynaceae
Genus Hoya

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution throughout various regions of East Asia. Within China, it can be found spanning from the South-Central provinces to the island of Hainan. Its presence also extends into the Southeast regions of the country and up into the high altitudes of Tibet. Beyond the Chinese mainland, the species is widely distributed across Eastern Asia. Specifically, its range includes the islands of Japan, completing its regional footprint.

Region Area
China China South-Central
China Hainan
China China Southeast
China Tibet
Eastern Asia Japan
Eastern Asia Korea
Eastern Asia Nansei-shoto
Eastern Asia Taiwan
Indian Subcontinent Assam
Indian Subcontinent Bangladesh

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Activities

Hoya has 5 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antinociceptive, Antioxidant, Parasympatholytic.

Activities reported in Hoya
Activity Supporting sources Consensus
Antibacterial 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Anticancer 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Antinociceptive 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Parasympatholytic 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Antibacterial

  1. Natural product research

Anticancer

  1. Natural product research

Antinociceptive

  1. Natural product research

Antioxidant

  1. Natural product research

Parasympatholytic

  1. Natural product research