Konor rhododendron
Rhododendron konori Becc.
Konor rhododendron belongs to the tropical mountain flora of New Guinea. It can grow on the ground or as an epiphyte, with shrubs reaching about four meters. At the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, collected plants have helped maintain this variable species and its contribution to cultivated hybrids. Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh: Maintaining and Managing the Diversity of the Living CollectionRHS Rhododendron Handbook account: Rhododendron konori, Trees and Shrubs Online
Botanical name
Kew accepts Rhododendron konori Becc., native to New Guinea. Kew Plants of the World Online: Rhododendron konori
Recognizing the plant
Broadly elliptical leaves narrow toward the base and end in a blunt point or rounded tip. Young upper surfaces carry brown scales that become silvery and then fall away; the undersides retain dense brown scales. Flower clusters contain three to twelve blossoms, often held nearly horizontally. The large funnels can reach 8–19 cm long, with white to pink petals sometimes spotted deeper pink near the lobe bases. Usually seven corolla lobes surround fourteen stamens gathered toward the lower side of the opening. A powerful sweet fragrance accompanies the display. RHS Rhododendron Handbook account: Rhododendron konori, Trees and Shrubs Online
Native range
The species is native across New Guinea, including both Indonesian and Papua New Guinean territory. Documented mountain habitats lie at approximately 750–2,500 m. Kew Plants of the World Online: Rhododendron konoriRHS Rhododendron Handbook account: Rhododendron konori, Trees and Shrubs Online
Botanical sources
- Kew Plants of the World Online: Rhododendron konori
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh: Maintaining and Managing the Diversity of the Living Collection
- RHS Rhododendron Handbook account: Rhododendron konori, Trees and Shrubs Online
Reviewed 2026-10-11. Seasonal development varies with location and growing conditions.