A myrmecophyte from SE Asia whose claim to fame are the flat, shingle-like leaves that overlap each other as they cling and climb the trunks and branches of trees. Hoya maxima is reminiscent of the shell leaved species of the genus, Dischidia but differs in that only one leaf per node survives. The second leaf aborts and the surviving leaf folds over the stem creating a dome-like space where ants nest. The ants provide nutrients for the plant while the plant provides a home for the ants. Thankfully, we don’t have the right ants so you don’t have to worry about your plant attracting unwanted six legged guests. Not only are the leaves and growth habit interesting with Hoya maxima but the flowers are impressive as well. The small revolute flowers are usually yellow but can range to white and are covered in a fine, cottony fuzz. The umbels are positively geotropic and look like a group of little chicks when viewed from below. The fragrance is pleasant and the flowers last a few days. Hoya maxima is not a particularly fussy species but it does become a challenge when grown in a pot due to the fact that its leaves will often cover the soil and pot. This can make watering the plant tricky. In our experience, Hoya maxima (and most other shell leaved species) do best grown mounted.
