A spectacular new introduction. This species forms a large compact and spreading evergreen tree with leaves up to one foot in length. As the name of this new “big-leaf” implies, this is the Chinese or eastern “version” of the closely related R. falconeri of the Himalayas. R. sinofalconeri is native to a small area of the S Yunnan/N Vietnam border and differs in its broadly obovate leaves and eglandular pedicels and ovaries. In addition, the indumentum on the undersurface of the leaves is light brown in comparison with that of R. falconeri which is dark or rusty brown. The flowers are borne in a large rounded to flat-topped inflorescence and should be pale to rich yellow. Appreciates some protection from the hot afternoon sun. So far has proven to be hardier than R. macabeanum. Native to broad-leaved forests from 5,250 to 10,000 ft.
1996sd553 SEH#229:RSBG (+5?\R1\7). A newly introduced big-leaf species with large, pale to deep yellow flowers. These are grown from my collection of seed at 9,500 ft. in S Yunnan near the border with N Vietnam. Very vigorous and attractive with a great truss.
