Hoya macrophylla Albomarginata VS Variegate: Resolved

Hi, I’m a horticultural consultant and believe that the  Albomarginata and Variegate are the same variety in the Hoya macrophylla species. Join me in this post to tell you, some points about Hoya macrophylla albomarginata vs variegate.

Hoya macrophylla is a popular but rare Hoya species with 4 stunning varieties. Two of its varieties including ‘Albomarginata’ and ‘Variegata’, are very similar and most people confuse to distinguish them. and in this post, I want to discuss a common challenge about Hoya macrophylla albomarginata vs variegate. Let’s get going.

Hoya macrophylla albomarginata vs variegate: Experts Answer

There are two beliefs among expert gardeners about Hoya macrophylla albomarginata vs variegate:

 💡 Some expert gardeners believe these Hoya macrophylla varieties (‘Albomarginata’ and ‘Variegata’) are most likely the same plant.

They told me ‘Variegata’ is a more general term for any variegated variety of Hoya and Hoya macrophylla albomarginata is a more specific and commonly used name for a large leaf variety with white to cream (sometimes pink) variegated edges.

They also said some plant sellers confuse people by using variegata to describe the Hoya macrophylla albomarginata because ‘Variegata’ have higher prices. They believe using the term ‘Albomarginata’ is better than ‘Variegata’ because Hoya macrophylla albomarginata is the more precise name that implies the white margins of this variety. They recommend using the name “Albomarginata” will avoid confusing people.

 💡 However, my other gardener friends believe that although the Hoya macrophylla albomarginata and variegate are very similar, they are separate varieties. They told me both varieties have large variegate leaves but Hoya macrophylla albomarginata leaves are larger.

Which belief is true? Are Hoya macrophylla albomarginata and variegate the same or are they separate varieties with similar leaves? To answer this question, let me define the term variety in the plant world and show you what a verified variety is.

What is the Term “Variety” in a Plant Species?

I hope diving into the meaning of “Variety” helps us to make the right decision about Hoya macrophylla albomarginata vs variegate.

When some individuals within a plant species have specific characteristic(s) that vary them from other members of that species, they are known as “variety”. This unique characteristic must be retained among offspring.

Please note that the characteristic(s) that define a variety must be unique, so, two varieties in a species must be distinguishable by unique specific trait(s). Hence, if Hoya macrophylla albomarginata and variegate are separated varieties, they must have unique features to let us distinguish them, but I couldn’t find such traits.

Hoya macrophylla albomarginata VS variegate in Terms of Morphology:

Hoya Macrophylla albomarginata and variegate have large waxy textured leaves with white to cream (sometimes pink when placed in light conditions) variegated edges. Their leaves also have remarkable veins.

Both varieties produce long tendrils before growing new leaves. Hoya macrophylla albomarginata and variegate produce clusters of fragrant star-shaped white to pink blooms.

Hoya macrophylla albomarginata VS variegate in Terms of Physiology:

I couldn’t find any scientific reference about unique genes or specific physiological features that help us to distinguish Hoya macrophylla ‘albomarginata’ and variegate.

Conclusion

Based on the above results, I think Hoya macrophylla albomarginata and “variegate“ are the same. There aren’t any unique features that let us define them as separate varieties. In addition, I think using the name Hoya macrophylla albomarginata is better than variegate for this variety because it’s more specific.

If you have other knowledge about Hoya macrophylla albomarginata vs variegate, please share it with my readers and me below this page.