Rhododendron celebicum
collected in Sulawesi by Hank Helm and John Farbarik
photo by Hank Helm
What is a vireya?
Vireya rhododendrons comprise about a third of the genus. They are scaly and in the Subgenus Rhododendron.
In terms of flower shape and color they are the most variable group. They are never spotted except with scales and are never truly blue. Many are fragrant.
They are generally confined to the Asian archipelago with notable exceptions. Over half of the species occur in New Guinea.
Although they grow from sea level to fifteen thousand feet in elevation, the majority are found in montane forests and often grow in pockets of humus in the crooks of tree branches.
A varied collection will provide blooms year around.
Rhododendron radians
collected in Sulawesi by Hank Helm and John Farbarik
photo by Hank Helm