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Hera hebe (S.Y.Wong, S.L.Low & P.C.Boyce) S.Y.Wong & P.C.Boyce

Introduction & Overview

Common and Scientific Names

  • Scientific Name: Hera hebe (S.Y.Wong, S.L.Low & P.C.Boyce) S.Y.Wong & P.C.Boyce
  • Common Name: None widely recorded

Quick Facts

  • Origin: Kalimantan, Borneo
  • Features: Rheophytic (stream‑dwelling) habit and single cylindrical spadix shorter than spathe

Taxonomy & Classification

  • Genus: Hera
  • Botanical Background: Originally described as Aridarum hebe in 2014; reassigned to its own genus Hera in 2018 following phylogenetic study by Wong & Boyce.

Natural Habitat & Distribution

  • Geographical Range: Endemic to wet tropical rainforests of Kalimantan, Borneo.
  • Environment: Grows as a rheophyte along fast‑flowing streams in humid, shaded understories on rocky substrates; soil constantly moist.

Morphological Characteristics

Leaves

  • Few, spirally arranged
  • Leathery, linear‑elliptic blades with long petiole sheaths

Inflorescence (Spadix & Spathe)

  • Single erect inflorescence
  • Spathe elliptic, lower green persistent section with shorter, deciduous limb
  • Spadix cylindrical, less than half the spathe length, bearing unisexual flowers

Growth Habit

  • Terrestrial rheophytic herb with creeping stems that ascend at tips
  • No tubers

Cultivation & Care

Light Requirements

  • Bright, indirect light
  • Avoid direct sun to mimic shaded riparian habitat

Watering & Humidity

  • Keep substrate consistently moist
  • High humidity (≥70%) required

Soil & Potting Mix

  • Rich, well‑draining mix (peat moss + perlite + orchid bark) to replicate streambed conditions

Temperature & Fertilizer

  • Maintain 22–30 °C
  • Feed monthly in growing season with balanced (20‑20‑20 NPK) fertilizer

Propagation Methods

Division

  • Rhizome division is easiest

Stem Cuttings (if applicable)

  • Separate healthy stems ensuring each division has ≥2 leaves

Seeds

  • Not documented in cultivation
  • Viability unknown

Common Pests & Diseases

Typical Issues

  • Typical Araceae pests—spider mites, mealybugs, scale, thrips—attack foliage

Treatment Recommendations

  • Wipe leaves with 70% isopropyl alcohol
  • Neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays applied biweekly
  • Chemical: Systemic miticides for severe infestations (avoid edible plants)

Notable Traits & Uses

  • Only species in genus Hera
  • Adapted to survive strong stream currents (rheophytic)
  • Extremely rare in cultivation
  • Prized by specialists for botanical novelty

Conservation & Availability

Wild Population Status

  • No formal IUCN assessment
  • Endemic range restricted, potentially vulnerable due to habitat loss

Market Availability

  • Not commercially available
  • Confined to research collections and specialist botanical gardens

References & Resources

Further Reading

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