Family: Ericaceae

Rhododendron laetum (Vireya Rhododendron) is an evergreen shrub native to Indonesia and Western New Guinea.  It is sometimes grown as a border plant. Their aesthetically pleasing flowers attract bees. Due to other Rhododendrons being toxic to animals, this species could also be toxic. This plant has not been documented as naturalized in any Hawaiian Islands to date.

High Risk Traits:

• Native to, and could potentially spread, in regions with tropical climates
  
• Other Rhododendron species are invasive
  
• Potentially toxic
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Related species are self-compatible
  
• Seeds dispersed by wind, possibly water, and intentionally by people
  
• Related species have seeds which may form a persistent seed bank
  
• Gaps in biological and ecological information may reduce accuracy of risk prediction

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of invasiveness or naturalization, but limited evidence of widespread introduction outside native range
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Palatable to sheep and other livestock, despite reports of possible toxicity
  
• Ornamental
  
• Not reported as invasive anywhere, but if needed, herbicides could provide effective control