Dimorphanthera sp.

This arresting bunch of flowers has just arrived for the first time in the glasshouse. It is a Dimorphanthera and belongs to the Ericaceae family. As can be seen in the image it is scrambling around using the sloping roof section as a support. Often in the wild these plants are seen as scandent lianas and use other more twiggy bushes such as vacciniums and small rhodos a metre or two tall to run around in. Originating from Equatorial zones such as Papua Guinea in Malesia, where they can appear at over 3000m elevation none are hardy in our climatic zone unfortunately, being able to withstand light frosts for short periods only.

There are several good collections of these ornamental plants where there are fine collections of rhododendrons as well. Namely Pukeiti in NZ, The Rhododendron Species Foundation in Seattle and the RBG in Edinburgh. I’m not sure which species it is yet but have sent a message to Steve Hootman at the RSF who knows a fair bit about these fellas for an ID…. These plants are great for a cold greenhouse, its such a pity we cant include the nectar feeding iridescent birds in this display for some pollination action as well!