Family: Apocynaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Hoya multiflora (shooting stars) is a tropical vining plant native to Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. It belongs to the milkweed family and is admired for its unusual, star-shaped flowers that appear in clusters and resemble shooting stars. The plant has glossy, elongated green leaves and produces fragrant blooms that are especially attractive in hanging baskets or trained on supports. Because of its striking appearance and manageable growth habit, it is commonly grown as an ornamental houseplant or in shaded tropical gardens where warm, humid conditions are present year-round.

Risks & Threats
This species is considered low risk and is not known to be naturalized or invasive in Hawaii. It does not typically spread aggressively or displace native vegetation, making it a safe ornamental choice when properly maintained. Like other members of the genus Hoya, it contains a milky sap that may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals, but it poses little ecological threat overall. With responsible cultivation, Hoya multiflora remains a non-problematic plant suitable for home and landscape use.

High Risk Traits:

• Grows in tropical/subtropical climates (suited to many islands)
  
• Broad climate suitability (elevation range 20–1500 m)
  
• Shade tolerant (prefers partial shade)
  
• Produces viable seed
  
• Wind-dispersed seeds (plumose hairs allow long-distance spread)
  
• Seeds may adhere to clothing, fur, or machinery
  
• Intentionally cultivated as ornamental
  
• Some congeneric species are weedy or naturalized

Low Risk Traits:

• Not naturalized beyond native range
  
• Not a garden, agricultural, or environmental weed
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• No dense thickets formed
  
• Not climbing or smothering (erect herb)
  
• Requires 3–4 years to flower (slow reproduction)
  
• No persistent seed bank (seeds don’t store well)
  
• Not dispersed by birds, water, or gut passage
  
• Not a fire hazard