Hoya australis ssp. tenuipes (arch)

Hoya australis subsp. tenuipes is an accepted botanical subspecies with a slender, climbing vine habit, valued for its glossy green foliage and vigorous growth on support. The fleshy leaves retain an elegant silhouette, while young shoots may temporarily develop reddish tones. At maturity, the plant produces umbels of light-coloured, waxy flowers with a reddish centre and an intense fragrance. This specimen is trained around an arch and develops into a well-defined vertical presence in a Hoya collection.

Name and identification

• Accepted name: Hoya australis subsp. tenuipes (K.D.Hill) P.I.Forst. & Liddle
• Basionym: Hoya oligotricha subsp. tenuipes K.D.Hill
• Status: accepted botanical subspecies, not a cultivar or commercial name.
• Origin: New Guinea and Queensland, in northern Australia.

The current combination was published in 1991. POWO treats the taxon at subspecies rank, while IPNI links the name to the basionym published in 1988. In nature, it is a tropical vine found in lowland rainforests and swamp forests, from sea level to approximately 400 m in elevation.

Foliage and habit

The stems are slender, flexible, and climbing. The leaves are opposite, thick, and fleshy, approximately 5–10 cm long and 3–6 cm wide, with subtly visible lateral veins. The green surface is smooth and glossy, while new growth may show reddish hues. On an arch, the vines can be gradually guided to form a compact outline.

Flowers and fragrance

The flowers measure approximately 10–11 mm and appear in umbel-shaped inflorescences on well-defined peduncles. The light-coloured corolla contrasts with the reddish central area. The flowers are fragrant and may last for approximately one week. Flowering depends on the specimen’s maturity and growing conditions.

Specimen presentation

The height, including the pot, is approximately 40 cm. The decorative container is not included in the price.

Substrate and care guide

Substrate: use an airy, well-draining mix suitable for epiphytic species. We recommend the professional substrate for Hoya and Anthurium - SG Mix.

For complete recommendations on light, watering, substrate, fertilising, propagation, and flowering, read the complete Hoya care guide.