Research Paper

Rhododendron yombuwurii (Ericaceae), a new orange-flowered species of subgenus Vireya from Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

Prima Wahyu Kusuma Hutabarat, Zulfadli, Kurniawan Palindondaya Bandjolu, Basrul, Muhammad Rifqi Hariri, Andhika Senatama, Siti Halimah Larekeng

Published on: 28 March 2026

Page: 277 - 283

DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.277

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    Abstract

    A new species of Rhododendron subgenus Vireya from Central Sulawesi, Rhododendron yombuwurii, is described. The species is known from material originating from the Tokorondo Range, northwest of Lake Poso, and is currently cultivated at a lower elevation near Saluopa Waterfall, where it grows epiphytically and produces small, bright orange flowers. We provide a detailed morphological description, comparative microscopic observations, notes on distribution, habitat and ecology, and a preliminary conservation assessment. Phylogenetic analyses based on the nuclear ribosomal ITS region support the placement of the species within subgenus Vireya and its distinction from morphologically similar taxa.

    Keyword: Flora, Malesia, Mountain flora, Poso, Rhododendron celebicum, Schistanthe, Tokorondo, Wallacea

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