Hoya carnosa

Native from southern China to Laos and from southern Japan to Taiwan, this perennial climbing vine grows on trees and rocks. Its opposite leaves are thick, glossy and oval. Rounded clusters of fragrant, waxy flowers have white to pale pink petals around a smaller white crown with a red center. It is popular in hanging baskets and as a houseplant. New flowers develop on the same short flowering spurs, so these should be retained after blooming. It can be propagated by cuttings or air layering. Its milky sap can irritate sensitive skin. Photographed in Pereira, Colombia.