Rhododendron | ||||||||||||
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Scientific classification | ||||||||||||
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Subgenera | ||||||||||||
Azaleastrum Candidastrum Hymenanthes Mumeazalea Pentanthera Rhododendron Therorhodion Tsutsusi Source: RBG, Edinburgh |
These subgenera can be basically divided into four groups:
- large leaf or elepidotes (without scales on the underside of their leaves)
- small leaf or lepidotes (with scales on the underside of their leaves)
- evergreen azaleas
- deciduous azaleas.
The Rhododendron is the State Flower of Washington and West Virginia.
There are many hybrid varieties of Rhododendron. These have been bred to have larger or smaller flowers, and a vast array of petal colours.
Rhododendrons have a toxin called grayanotoxin in their pollen and nectar. People have been known to become ill from eating honey made by bees feeding on rhododendron and azalea flowers.
See also: azalea