Rhododendron niveum (Chinese: 西藏毛脉杜鹃) is a rhododendron species native to northeastern India (including Sikkim), Bhutan, and southern Tibet in China, where it grows at altitudes of 2,600–3,500 m (8,500–11,500 ft). It is an evergreen shrub or small tree that grows to 2–6 m (6.6–19.7 ft) in height, with leathery leaves that are oblanceolate to elliptic, 8.5–11 by 3.6–4.6 cm in size. When young the leaves are covered in a white indumentum, which falls off the upper surface but remains on the underside.[2] The flowers are an intense magenta or lilac,[3] and held in a compact ball above the leaves.[2]

Rhododendron niveum
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Embryophytes
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Spermatophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Rhododendron
Species:
R. niveum
Binomial name
Rhododendron niveum

Cultural depictions

edit

Rhododendron niveum is the state tree of the Indian state of Sikkim.

References

edit
  1. "Rhododendron niveum", J. D. Hooker, J. Hort. Soc. London. 7: 78. 1852.
  2. 1 2 "Rhododendron niveum". Trees and Shrubs Online. International Dendrology Society. Retrieved 22 April 2021.
  3. He Mingyou; David F. Chamberlain. "Rhododendron niveum". Flora of China. Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA. Retrieved 20 May 2013.
edit

Wikimedia Commons logo Media related to Rhododendron niveum at Wikimedia Commons