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

• 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.

• 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.

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

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

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

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)

• Only species in genus Hera
• Adapted to survive strong stream currents (rheophytic)

• Extremely rare in cultivation
• Prized by specialists for botanical novelty

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