Rhododendron falconeri, the falconer rhododendron,[1] is a species of flowering plant in the family Ericaceae, native to the eastern Himalayas. It is a large evergreen shrub or tree, and sometimes the dominant canopy tree, that typically grows to 12–15 m (39–49 ft) in height, with leathery leaves that are elliptic to obovate in shape and usually about 1 ft (0.30 m) in length. Flowers are white to cream, pale yellow, or pinkish, with a prominent purple blotch.
| Rhododendron falconeri | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Ericaceae |
| Genus: | Rhododendron |
| Species: | R. falconeri
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| Binomial name | |
| Rhododendron falconeri | |
| Synonyms | |
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Azalea falconeri (Hook.f.) Kuntze | |
It occurs from eastern Nepal through Sikkim and Bhutan, as well as adjacent areas of northeastern India (Arunachal Pradesh and West Bengal). It grows at altitudes of 2,700–3,750 m (8,860–12,300 ft).
In cultivation in the UK, Rhododendron falconeri has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[1][2] It is hardy down to −10 °C (14 °F) but requires a sheltered position. Like most rhododendrons it needs an acid soil that is rich in leaf mould.
References
edit- ^ a b "RHS Plantfinder - Rhododendron falconeri". Retrieved 3 October 2018.
- ^ "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 85. Retrieved 2 October 2018.
External links
edit- Rhododendr. Sikkim-Himalaya 1: t. 10 1849.
- The Plant List
- Species Portrait: Rhododendron falconeri Hooker F., 1849, Steve Hootman, Journal American Rhododendron Society, Volume 57, Number 2, Spring 2003.
- Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden
- Hirsutum