Hoya bhutanica

Hoya bhutanica
Conservation status
Endangered  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Gentianales
Family:	Apocynaceae
Genus:	Hoya
Species:	H. bhutanica
Binomial name
Hoya bhutanica Grierson & D.G.Long

Hoya bhutanica is a species of epiphytic climbing shrub endemic to Bhutan.^[2] It is currently classified as endangered in the IUCN redlist.^[1]

Description

It is similar to Hoya parasitica, with slender stems to at least 5 meters. The leaves are fleshy, elliptic to narrowly so in shape, with acuminate apex. The leaf base is cuneate with three nerves at the base. Flower lobes are white with a purple centre. It is an extensive glabrous creeper.^[3]

Range

Hoya bhutanica is currently known only from Bhutan.^[2]

Habitat

It is an epiphyte on trees in dense forest.^[3]

Ecology

It is mainly found in the tropical biome that is damp.^[4]

Etymology

The species epithet was given in the name of the country (Bhutan) where the holotype of this species was found.

References

1. "Hoya bhutanica: Bhutan Endemic Flowering Plants Workshop: The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T84487492A84548403". IUCN Red List. 26 November 2015. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T84487492A84548403.en.
2. National Biodiversity Centre, Bhutan (11 November 2015). Plants Endemic to Bhutan Himalaya. ISBN 9789993676355.
3. Grierson, Andrew J. C.; Long, David G. (1999). Flora of Bhutan: including a record of plants from Sikkim and Darjeeling. Edinburgh [S.l.]: Royal botanic garden Royal government of Bhutan. ISBN 1872291430.
4. "Hoya bhutanica Grierson & D.G.Long | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science". Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 7 January 2024.