Status Hoya ‘Jennifer’ is an accepted name (Art.11.1 Brickell et al.), established by C.Noel in 2004 in Asklepios 91. It is a widely known and attached to a unique cultivar with recognizable characteristics despite lost history related to how it came about.
Category Hoya ‘Jennifer’ originally had its beginnings prior to selection, as a seedling from an F1 hybrid. Unfortunately, exact details of the hybridization have been lost. When ‘Jennifer’ was published years later as a cultivar, it was as a suspected cross as opposed to a known hybrid. It is undisputed that Hoya finlaysonii is in the lineage, but neither pod nor pollen parent is certain and they were not known when Hoya ‘Jennifer’ was described. Seedlings are not true to ‘Jennifer’, but also are not widespread and available enough at this time for parentage to be ascertained beyond doubt.
Originator Michael Miyashiro (MM), Honolulu, Hawaii d.b.a. Rainforest Plants et Fleurs, Inc.
The seedling which eventually became ‘Jennifer’ was developed in 1995, when Miyashiro crossed two species in an outdoor garden. No cultivar was named and published from this batch of resultant seedlings until 2004.
Nominant Carol Noel, named for her daughter-in-law.
Introducer Michael Miyashiro
Description ‘Jennifer’ is a medium to large climbing and twining Hoya. In warmer conditions it will bloom early and often at a small size. Foliage: Thick, leather-like oblanceolate leaf with acuminate tip. Light pubescence and prominent ribs on the abaxial surface. The ornate veins are one of the primary markers for Hoya ‘Jennifer’. The pattern may be described as pinnipalmate with a reticulate network. The more light the leaf is exposed to, the more the fine reticulate veins, and pinnate on the lower inside of the leaf, become visible. There are sometimes further secondary palmate nerves as ‘Jennifer’ grows in size, but following the same recognizable pattern. Inflorescence: Reflexed white to cream flowers with red to purple corolla apices. The coloration of the corolla is an important marker for this cultivar. If the blooms are all yellow, they are not Hoya ‘Jennifer’. The umbel is round and full usually with 20 to 30 individual inflorescence which last on average 5 days. The fragrance can be strong, frequently reported as having notes of both Jasmine and clove.
Synonyms None
Trade designations None
Standard Herbarium specimen Noel #1 is non-extant at US Smithsonian where it was to be filed. The top image in Noel,C. (2004). Putting a name to some favourites. Asklepios, 91,14, which features the umbel of ‘Jennifer’ over a single leaf, is designated as a replacement standard; effective upon publication of this decision (Art.25 Brickell et al).
Further background In the market, Hoya ‘Jennifer’ is widely said to be a cross of Hoya incrassata x Hoya finlaysonii. This is repeated from the publication, where possible parentage was presumed. It has been spread so widely that it is recorded here as further historic background. Hoya ‘Jennifer’ was distributed prior to publication by the originator because the parentage of his hybrids were continually questioned, and it was a confusing time for the taxonomy of Hoya, and so he gifted the majority of his remaining unnamed seedlings. Later when it became apparent that this assemblage of existed in cultivation, Noel named and described Hoya ‘Jennifer’.
Availability Hoya ‘Jennifer’ is widely available around the world where Hoyas are grown.
Sources
Brickell, C.D. & Alexander, C. & Cubey, Janet & David, John & Hoffmann, M.H.A. & Leslie, A.C. & Malécot, Valéry & Jin, Xiaobai. 2016.
Noel, C.(2004). Putting a name to some old favourites. Asklepios, 91,14.
Correspondence with Michael Miyashiro, 2024; records of the Registrar on Hoya ‘Jennifer’