Trans. Hort. Soc. 2: 197-198 (1822)
XLVIII. On a remarkable Property of the Hoya Carnosa.
In a Letter to the Secretary. By Mr. JOHN MAHER, F.H.S.

Read September 5, 1815.

DEAR SIR,

As it does not appear that any notice has hitherto been taken of the very singular preference which the greater number of Summer insects evince for the blossoms of the Hoya Carnosa, in situations where their favourite fruits are both abundant and well ripened, I trust the following observation may not be deemed unacceptable to Horticulturists; since I am led to believe, that if this plant were generally introduced into graperies, it would altogether set aside the necessity of using bags.

At the same time that a flourishing plant of the Hoya Carnosa was blooming in a hot-house under my charge, at Millfield, near Edmonton, some healthy vines were loaded with ripe fruit, in a grapery immediately adjoining; the door communicating with the hot-house being kept constantly open.

At this time I daily remarked, that while the blossoms of the Hoya attracted innumerable wasps, bees, and other insects, the Grapes remained altogether untouched. The honied exudations of the Hoya, are therefore evidently preferred by insects to the pulp of those fruits which they so commonly destroy. And it would appear, that this plant might, with advantage, be made the general inmate of the forcing-house.

The individual plant alluded to, was introduced from China about ten years since; and has now extended its shoots to the length of twenty-four feet.

I am, dear Sir,
your very obedient Servant,
JOHN MAHER.
Edmonton, September 5, 1815.