x - Hawaii Chapter, American Rhododendron Society
x - Hawaii Chapter, American Rhododendron Society
x - Hawaii Chapter, American Rhododendron Society
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The species is well worth growing. Not only does it have very attractive foliage and a pleasing spreading habit<br />
but it has extremely beautiful flowers (Figs 1 and 2). In my view the species is one of the few Vireyas to which<br />
the word ‘exotic’ can be applied; many other species are more showy but this does not equate to their being exotic<br />
per se. The orange-red to coral corollas, aptly described by one collector as ‘tangerine’, with the bright yellow<br />
patch basally on each of the lobes are eye catching. The flower form also contributes to the appeal as the corolla<br />
is short-tubed and relatively broad across the limb, presenting quite a strong effect. The foliage is a good foil for<br />
the flowers as well, being smooth and glossy. The spreading habit is pleasing too. Definitely, this is a high flyer<br />
among the Vireya species.<br />
I do not know if R. wentianum is available commercially in Australia but should any Australian reader like to add<br />
this species to their collection I will be pleased to send cuttings or propagate tubestock for them.<br />
References<br />
Koorders, S.H. 1909. Ericaceae. Nova Guinea 8: 183-191.<br />
Sleumer, H. 1966. <strong>Rhododendron</strong>. Flora Malesiana ser. I, 6: 474-668. (Noordhoff:<br />
Groningen).<br />
Steenis-Kruseman, M.J. van. 1950. Malaysian plant collectors and collections. Flora<br />
Malesiana ser. I, 1. (Noordhoff: Groningen).<br />
Withers, R.M. 1986. <strong>Rhododendron</strong> christi. The <strong>Rhododendron</strong> 25(3): 43-44, photo<br />
on front cover.<br />
Lyn Craven<br />
Melba, Canberra, ACT Australia<br />
Email: Lyn.Craven@csiro.au<br />
Viva Vireya Page 8 September 2012
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