Emu Valley Newsletter – December 2023

• Date: 6th March 2024
• author: Maurie Kupsch

RHODODENDRON PSEUDOCHRYSANTHUM

This species is native to Taiwan where it can be found growing on moun-
tain slopes and on the edges of conifer forests. It is very variable in height and shape depending on location, ranging in height from 30cm to 3m.

The leaves are ovate to oblong-lanceolate with the margins lightly
recurved. The upper surface of these thick leaves is usually glabrous with
the midrib on the under side covered with indumentum. The flowers are
produced in loose trusses of 5-10 and can be white, white tinged pink or
pink with deep pink spots on the upper petals.

R. pseudochrysanthum was described by Hayata in 1908 and introduced
by Wilson in 1918 and reintroduced by Yashiroda in 1938. In later years
Patrick and Hsu were to send seeds including seeds of a dwarf form.
At Emu Valley we grow this species in association with two other species
native to Taiwan, R.hyperythrum and R.morii and they can be found
on the southern side of the Noel Sullivan walk as it meanders through the
Taiwan section.