Rhododendron moulmainense

Hook.

Ericaceae Edible: Flowers 188 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Rhododendron moulmainense, Westland's rhododendron, is a species of Rhododendron native to southern China (Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hong Kong, Hunan, Yunnan), Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. It is an evergreen shrub or small tree 3–8 m (9.8–26.2 ft) tall. The leaves are 4–13 cm long, elliptical and leathery. Every leaf has a curving margin rolling backward toward the underside. The flowers are fragrant, borne on top of the branches, in umbels and in groups of two to four. The petals are white or pink, with the inner parts spotted orange. The flowering period is from March to April. The fruit is a cylindrical, 2.5–5 cm long capsule, 6-angled along its length, bearing numerous small seeds. The fruiting period is from May to June. The common name "Westland's rhododendron" honours A. B. Westland, the first Superintendent of the Botanic Gardens, Hong Kong. In Hong Kong, where it occurs on Ma On Shan, Pat Sin Leng, Wu Kau Tang, and Lantau Island, it is a protected species under Forestry Regulations Cap. 96A. This plant is widespread in its native habitat. However, in temperate climates it requires some protection, as it does not tolerate freezing temperatures.

Description

A shrub or small tree. It grows 3-15 m tall. The bark is grey brown and does not peel. The leaves are oblong to sword shaped and 5-12 cm long by 3-5 cm wide. The base is wedge shaped and the edges curl under. The flowers are in groups of 2 or 3 towards the end of branches. They are funnel shaped and white with a yellow blotch.

Edible Uses

The flowers are edible.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant. It grows in open forests between 700-1,500 m above sea level in southern China. In Yunnan.

Where It Grows

Asia, China, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam,

Synonyms

Rhododendron klossii Ridl.Rhododendron leucobotrys Ridl.Rhododendron nematocalyx Balf.f. & W. W. Sm.Rhododendron oxyphyllum Franch.Rhododendron pectinatum Hutch.Rhododendron siamense DielsRhododendron stenaulum Balf.f. & W. W. Sm.