Hoya clemensiorum (Long Leaf)

Unrooted cutting of Hoya clemensiorum, long leaves.
One node.
One or two leaves.

Hoya clemensiorum (Long Leaf) is a dramatic long-leaved form of Hoya clemensiorum, an accepted species native to Borneo.

The foliage is the main attraction. Mature leaves are long, narrow, thick, and rigid, with strongly raised dark venation that gives the surface an almost prehistoric or reptilian appearance. Under brighter growing conditions, the green foliage may also develop bronze, burgundy, or reddish tones.

Hoya clemensiorum itself is capable of producing exceptionally large leaves. Published descriptions document foliage commonly reaching 20–40 cm in length, with exceptional leaves approaching 50 cm. The Long Leaf form circulating in cultivation is selected for emphasizing this elongated foliage, although “Long Leaf” appears to be a horticultural descriptor rather than a formally established cultivar name.

The species has an interesting botanical history. Material associated with Hoya clemensiorum was collected in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, and Ted Green formally published the species in 2001. It was named in honor of botanists Joseph and Mary Strong Clemens, who extensively collected plants in Sabah and around Mount Kinabalu.

A later taxonomic study designated historical material collected by the Clemenses on Mount Kinabalu as the neotype of the species.

Mature plants produce clusters of small reflexed flowers in cream to yellowish tones with reddish-brown coloration. A musky to citrus-like fragrance has also been reported in cultivation.

Our stock of Hoya clemensiorum (Long Leaf) was purchased directly from PPPlant in Thailand several years ago and has been maintained and propagated in our collection since then.

Botanical name: Hoya clemensiorum T.Green
Form: Long Leaf
Native range of species: Borneo
First published: 2001
Provenance of our stock: PPPlant, Thailand
Notable features: Exceptionally long, rigid foliage with strongly raised venation and potential bronze-to-burgundy coloration

Please note that mature leaf size, shape, venation, and coloration can vary considerably with growing conditions. The designation “Long Leaf” does not guarantee that every future leaf will reach the maximum size associated with this form.

A note about this plant: Species-level botanical and historical information above is based on published taxonomic records. Information concerning the Long Leaf form and its horticultural naming was gathered from publicly available online sources. Our original plant was purchased directly from PPPlant under the name Hoya clemensiorum (Long leaves), but we do not have original collection or selection documentation establishing the origin of this particular Long Leaf form and cannot independently confirm or deny its earlier provenance.