Vireya rhododendrons

High in the mountains of tropical Asia you can discover an exotic group of rhododendrons.

There are around 300 species from Malaysia, Indonesia and New Guinea. They differ from other rhododendrons in that their leaves and flowers are covered in scale-like hairs. Many are epiphytes growing high on tree branches nestled alongside orchids, while others are tiny shrubs with exotic blooms.

Did you know?
Their scented flowers come in a rich variety of colours: reds are pollinated by birds, whites by moths and yellows by butterflies. Their seeds have long tail-like appendages to help them float on the wind.
They flower profusely in the shorter days of winter.

Back up to: temperate house plants

On to: Japanese Banana