Rhododendron Facts and Flowers

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• published: 27 May 2015
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The Rhododendron is a flowering plant that belongs to the heath family. There are more than 1000 species of rhododendron that are native to Europe, Asia, North America and Australia. The Rhododendron plant grows in cool climates, on slightly acidic, well-drained soil. It can be found in the mountains, coniferous and temperate forests and tropical rainforests. Rhododendron is cultivated because of its beautiful, fragrant flowers and ornamental leaves. It is a genus characterised by shrubs and small to rarely large trees, the smallest species growing to 10–100 cm tall, and the largest reported to grow up to 30 m or 98 ft tall. The leaves are spirally arranged and leaf size can range from 1–2 cm to over 50 cm. Species of the genus Rhododendron are widely distributed between latitudes 80°N and 20°S and are considered Alpine native plants from North America to Europe, Russia, and Asia, and from Greenland to Queensland, Australia and the Solomon Islands. Some types of rhododendron have evergreen leaves, while others have deciduous leaves. Evergreen types usually have large, paddle-shaped leaves. Deciduous plants often have small, elliptical leaves. Bottom side of leaves of some species of rhododendron is covered with hairs or scales. Rhododendron produces funnel-, bell-, trumpet-shaped or tubular flowers. Color of the flowers can be white, pastel, orange, golden, red, pink or purple. Most types of rhododendron produce fragrant flowers. A number of insects either target rhododendrons or will opportunistically attack them. Rhododendron borers and various weevils are major pests of rhododendrons, and many caterpillars will preferentially devour them. Rhododendron species have long been used in traditional medicine, research has identified possible anti-inflammatory properties. Some species of rhododendron are poisonous to grazing animals. People have been known to become ill from eating honey made by bees feeding on rhododendron and azalea flowers. The flower when pickled can last for months and the flower juice is also marketed. The flower, fresh or dried, is added to fish curry in the belief that it will soften the bones. The rhododendron is the national flower of Nepal, where the flower is considered edible and enjoyed for its sour taste. For more videos, photos and blog posts like this please visit http://www.wholesomeday.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/wholesomeday/ Tumblr: http://wholesomeday.tumblr.com/ Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/wholesomed/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wholesomeday