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Rhododendron decorum subsp. diaprepes

(Balf.f. & W. W. Sm.) T. L.Ming

gbif· cc0

GBIF

gbif· cc0

GBIF

gbif· cc0

GBIF

Rhododendron decorum, the great white rhododendron (Chinese: 大白杜鹃) is a species of flowering plant in the heath family Ericaceae. It is an evergreen shrub native to high forested regions of northern Myanmar and Guizhou, Sichuan, Xizang, and Yunnan, China growing at altitudes of 1,800–4,000 m (5,900–13,100 ft). Depending on the growing environment (either temperate or sub-alpine forest) it can be found as a shrub or small tree of 1–6 m (3.3–19.7 ft), with leathery leaves that are oblong, oblong-ovate or oblong-elliptic in shape and between 5–19 cm in length and 3–11 cm in width. Flowers are borne in trusses, white to pale pink, with a yellow throat, large and very fragrant. It was first described by French botanist Adrien René Franchet in 1886. In cultivation in the UK, Rhododendron decorum has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. It is hardy down to −20 °C (−4 °F) but requires a sheltered position and an acid soil that is rich in leaf mould.

Description

A shrub or small tree. The leaves are oblong and 12-19 cm long by 5-11 cm wide. The base is rounded. The flowers are pinkish white.

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Edible Uses

The flowers are edible.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It grows in forests between 1,700-3,300 m above sea level in China. In Sichuan and Yunnan. In Rhodo gardens.

Where It Grows

Asia, Australia, China*, Myanmar, SE Asia, Tasmania, Vietnam,

Synonyms

Rhododendron diaprepes Balf.f. & W. W. SmRhododendron rasile Balf. & W. W. Sm.

Also Known As

Doquyen xinh

References (1)

  • Liu, Yi-tao, & Long, Chun-Lin, 2002, Studies on Edible Flowers Consumed by Ethnic Groups in Yunnan. Acta Botanica Yunnanica. 24(1):41-56

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