Which rhododendron?

[monocotman]

Hi,

This plant is one we cannot identify from the collection of my sister's father in law who passed away last year. He had a large collection of mainly hybrid rhododendrons that grew very well in their garden in the peninne foothills above Manchester.
I know that this is probably a long shot but if anyone can give any indications of parentage I would be grateful,

https://flic.kr/p/T4svXk

Many thanks,

David

[Maggi Young]

big, rugose leaves - nice!

Perhaps Rhododendron mallotum - but John W and Co. know more than I.
 Other possibilities,  falconeri;  kesangiae   or montroseanum

[johnw]

big, rugose leaves - nice! Perhaps Rhododendron mallotum - but John W and Co. know more than I.
 Other possibilities,  falconeri;  kesangiae   or montroseanum

Leaves look far too big for mallotum.  These Grandia spp. are a nightmare to identify.   I think Maggi's others are possibilities and might throw in hodgsonii, rothschildii and basilicum for good measure.  I'll consult the gods Danes.

Looking closer maybe sinogrande with those roundish petioles??

john

[GordonT]

My vote would be for sinogrande.

[Maggi Young]

Ha Ha!  I think the leaves are not big enough for sinogrande - and too egg-shaped.     

[johnw]

They are small but then again it would appear to be growing in a relatively sunny open spot. I think it's another Grandia species.

When my first batch of sinograndes from Peter Cox's seed got underway there was heated debate on whether they were true.  Countless experts looked at them and no consensus if the petioles were right or wrong; then Alleyne Cook declared they were correct and round. A year later I could feel a slight angular ridge to them. Peter declared the petiole can be either and the plant was sinogrande.

I spent an hour one morning at June Sinclair's while she lectured me (I think) on how to distinguish rothschildii from montroseanum.  A day later I couldn't remember which was which. And so it goes with these Grandias, unless you're around them day after day you'll not get a feel for them.

Alleyne Cook's advice when asked to identify a species:

from a distance observe habit
observe flower
step forward 7 quietly turn a leaf over, study intently
move on and keep your mouth shut.
you are now an expert


1. my sinogrande
2. Ken Gibson's sinogrande in Tofino, lots of sun, relatively small leaves, every shape in the book.

john

[johnw]

Jens says:  only a guess

protistum    ?

You'll know as soon as the new growth flushes.

Keep us posted.

john