“Common wax plant”

An “umbel” (“inflorescence” type) with flower buds (unopened) of Hoya carnosa (family Apocynaceae), the common wax plant. With more than 100 species of this genus in the Philippines alone, these plants are sought by collectors. One collector is a nuclear physicist in Manila with his own greenhouse full of Hoya! He has provided many photos of the different Philippine species to PhytoImages.

At PhytoImages:
» Hoya page, http://phytoimages.siu.edu/cgi-bin/dol/dol_terminal.pl?taxon_name=Hoya&rank=genus
» Hoya carnosa page, http://phytoimages.siu.edu/cgi-bin/dol/dol_terminal.pl?taxon_name=Hoya_carnosa&rank=binomial
» This image (full size), http://phytoimages.siu.edu/img-bin/image?Apocynaceae/Hoya/carnosa/69240

What this umbel will become: http://phytoimages.siu.edu/imgs/pelserpb/r/Apocynaceae_Hoya_carnosa_14022.html

Note. This umbel hangs downward, so this is a one-handed shot: I am holding it upright to catch the light.

Two shots that didn’t make the post today:
» Strobilanthes dyerianus (Persian shield), http://phytoimages.siu.edu/img-bin/image?Acanthaceae/Strobilanthes/dyerianus/69249
» another Hoya carnosa, http://phytoimages.siu.edu/img-bin/image?Apocynaceae/Hoya/carnosa/69244

Photo taken at SIUC Plant Biology Greenhouse, http://www.plantbiology.siu.edu/facilities/plant-biology-facilities/greenhouse/index.php

One year ago (“Reflecting: browns give way to greens”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2012-04-02
Two years ago (“Quiz time!”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2011-04-02

[Rick Schies]

So that's what you call them. They are quite unique looking

[Tara]

Fantastic focus Thom. Very interesting plant.

[Ruth Moucharafieh]

Beautifully done Thom!

[Tammie]

Unusual plant. Very good one handed catch.

[Michelle]

It looks like plastic, smooth and shiny.. Great macro work Thom.