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 × 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 × 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