Cutis - Porcelana

Hoya cutis-porcelana is a new version of hoya, endemic to Samar and Biliran Islands in Visayas, Philippines. The epithet "cutis-porcelana" means "porcelain skin", i.e. the surface of flowers is similar to porcelain. Hoya cutis-porcelana was discovered by Mr. Suarez in a remote limestone forest, far from the coast of Samar province, at about 7 m above sea level. It was also found on the island of Biliran in Visayas. This hoya prefers a terrain with scattered lighting.

Hoya cutis-porcelana in leaf form is related to some varieties in the Hoya pottsii complex, in particular Hoya camphorifolia Warb. and Hoya bicolensis Kloppenb., Siar q Cajano. The flower at first glance resembles the flower Hoya anulata Schltr., however it is completely and distinctly different varieties. The Hoya cutis-porcelana flower is unlike any of the currently known varieties of hoi. It is a new ornamental plant worthy of distribution in order to preserve and commercialize.

Hoya cutis-porcelana is a curly semi-feathered epiphyte with very thin branches. Air roots appear anywhere along the branches. The branches are smooth, cylindrical in cross section, 2-4 mm in diameter, with internecines 8-11.4 mm long.

The leaves are permanent, against them; with often curved stalks 2-3 mm in diameter and 1.1 - 2.5 cm long. The sheet plate is thin, 5.5-12.1 cm long, 2.1 - 4.5 cm wide, leathery and flexible, elliptical or wide-lanceto-shaped with a wedge-shaped base, a pointy tip that is gently curved downwards. The entire edge of the sheet is also curved downwards; The top surface has a significant shine, but the intensity of the shine depends on the age of the sheet; the lower surface is paler and dimmer; with pale green veins, the veining finger; On each side of the main vein there are 4-5 secondary veins.

The flower whisk is 15.0 mm in diameter, (17.0 mm when spread); inner surface with short puffing, the top sharp; The outer surface is smooth; Edges and top are swirled back, petals 0.63 cm long (0.64 cm when straightened). In the natural position, the crown is slightly raised from the depth of the sinuses. The aroma is sweet and sour, comparable to the smell of Hoya camphorifolia.