Derived from the Latin orbis — orb, referring to the shape of the flower.

Perennial, succulent, tufted herbs with clear latex, stems hairless. Leaves rudimentary; mucilage glands absent. Corolla bell-shaped, rough or warty, hairless; tube short; lobes free at tips, valvate. Annular corona present; corolline corona absent; staminal and interstaminal coronas present, with the latter not sessile or fused to the corolla tube. Follicles tapered to each end; seeds tufted at one end.

Seed or cuttings.

Large yellow and brown, bell-shaped flowers.

About 20 species in southern and E Africa.

Leach (1978).

Source: Forster, P.; Liddle, D.; Liddle, I. (2002). Hoya. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 4. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 3. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.