Rhododendron × planecostatum (Sleumer) Argent A.L.Lamb & Phillipps

Shrub to 1 m, epiphytic or terrestrial, young stems smooth with fine scales at first. Leaves 4-5 x 1.5-1.8 cm, elliptic to obovate, the apex acute, often acuminate, the margin entire, flat, the base tapering, upper surface at first minutely scaly, quickly glabrescent and shiny, main vein slightly raised, laterals 5-7 pairs, smooth, rather obscure; lower surface with the midrib more or less flat and the laterals obscure, scales rather sparse, lobed with small centres. Flowers 3-6 per umbel, horizontal to half hanging; calyx a low scaly ring; corolla red, cylindrical to narrowly funnel-shaped, 2-2.5 x 1.3-1.8 cm, glabrous; stamens 10 arranged around the mouth of the flower, ovary glabrous, style glabrous. Royal Horticultural Society (1997)

Distribution  Malaysia Sabah, Kinabalu and Crocker Range

Habitat 1,300-1,700 m

RHS Hardiness Rating H2