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| Hoya medusa M.D.De Leon, Cabactulan, Cuerdo & Rodda, in De Leon, Cabactulan, Cuerdo & Rodda, 2023. |
Abstract
Hoya medusa M.D.De Leon, Cabactulan, Cuerdo & Rodda, sp. nov. (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae) is described from the Philippines. Even though numerous taxa with a shrubby habit from this area are known, it can be immediately separated because of its urceolate corolla and prominent elongated corona lobes. No other species in the genus possesses such a combination of characters.
Keywords: Hoya edeni, Hoya linavergarae, Hoya odorata, Luzon, Marsdenieae
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| Hoya medusa photographed in cultivation A flower, top view B corolla, from underneath C flower, side view two corolla lobes removed D flower, side view E corona, top view F corona, from underneath G, H corona, side view I calyx and ovaries J pollinarium. (Photographs by R.D. Cuerdo). |
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| Hoya medusa flowering branch. (Photograph by M.D. De Leon). |
Hoya medusa M.D.De Leon, Cabactulan, Cuerdo & Rodda, sp. nov.
Diagnosis: Similar to Hoya edeni King & Hook.f. in its shrubby habit and caudate and curved inner corona lobe processes, distinct by the corona processes (wavy to serpentine in H. medusa versus linear and curved at the tip in H. edeni), corolla shape (urceolate in H. medusa versus rotate with reflexed lobes in H. edeni) and size (8.5–10 mm in H. medusa versus c. 20 mm in H. edeni).
Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the serpentine processes of the inner corona reminiscent of the snake headdress of Medusa in Greek mythology.
Distribution and ecology: Hoya medusa was collected by local collectors in Luzon Island, Mt. Cetaceo and has been in cultivation, circulated by local plant nurseries and plant hobbyists. It was first collected in low montane forest at 500 to 1,000 m where it was growing as an epiphyte in disturbed primary broadly leaf and mossy forest in full sun to part shade.
Miguel David De Leon, Derek Cabactulan, Ryu D. Cuerdo and Michele Rodda. 2023. A New Species of Hoya R.Br. (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae) from the Philippines. PhytoKeys. 222: 19-26. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.222.98275
