Rhododendron indicum

(L.) Sweet

Rhododendron, Indian Azalea, Japanese evergreen azalea

Ericaceae Edible: Flowers, Leaves Potential hazards — see below 21,113 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Rhododendron indicum is an azalea Rhododendron species native to Japan (S & W Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, Yakushima).

Description

An evergreen shrub. It grows 90 cm high and spreads 60 cm wide. It has many branches. It can almost lie along the ground. The leaves are shiny and dark green. The wild plant usually has red flowers. They are a broad funnel shape. They occur singly or in pairs.

Edible Uses

The flowers and leaves are reported to be edible, though no further details are given and caution is advised regarding toxicity. The galls found on the leaves are also said to be edible; the source does not specify whether they are consumed before or after the insect has left. Caution is advised regarding toxicity for all parts.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

Caution is advised regarding toxicity of all edible parts.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 6-9.

Where It Grows

Asia, Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan*, Korea, Myanmar, SE Asia,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown from seeds and by cuttings.

Propagation

Sow seed in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in autumn, providing artificial light. Alternatively, sow in a lightly shaded part of a warm greenhouse in late winter, or in a cold greenhouse in April. Surface-sow and keep the compost consistently moist. Pot up seedlings once large enough to handle and grow on under glass for at least the first winter. Layering in late July takes 15–24 months. Cuttings of half-ripe wood taken in August and rooted in a frame are difficult.

Other Uses

Plants can be grown as ground cover when spaced about 1 metre apart each way.

Notes

There are over 500 Rhododendron species.

Synonyms

Azalea indica Linn.Rhododendron breynii Planch.and several others

Also Known As

Rhododendron mawar, Rose azalea, Tu Chuan, Yindu Dujuan

References (5)

Ambasta S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 522
Brit. fl. gard. 5(= ser. 2, 2): t. 128. 1832
Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 1150
Hibbert, M., 2002, The Aussie Plant Finder 2002, Florilegium. p 251
Valder, P., 1999, The Garden Plants of China. Florilegium. p 208