Rhododendrons

Rhododendron fallacinum
Vireya Subgenus:
Malayovireya Section
Epithet: deceptive or fallacious, because of a deceptive resemblance to R.durionfolium which meant it was unrecognised for many years.
Introduced into cultivation: in 1980 from a series of introductions to Australia, New Zealand and the UK.
Flowers: 15-35 per complete or sometimes open umbel, standing erect to horizontal, 18-25 x 30-37mm, bright orange, without scent,
tube 7-12 x 5 x 5mm.
Best in the wild from Feb - Apr.
Foliage: ovate or ovate-elliptic, 80-160 x 30-55mm, 3-6 in tight pseudowhirls.
Shrub or small tree to 6m, mostly terrestrial, less commonly epiphytic.
Distribution (1220-2600m):
Malaysia: (Borneo),Sabah, Mt Kinabalu, Mt Trus Madi, Crocker Range.
Its handsome flowers and coppery-coloured foliage make it a most attractive plant, but like several of the other malayovireyas.it is slowand difficult both to grow satisfactorily and to propagate.