Family: Ericaceae
Author: Planch.
Bibliography: Fl. Serres Jard. Eur. 9:78. 1854
Year: 1853
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Rhododendron
Vegetable: False
Observations: S. China to Indo-China, Nansei-shoto to Taiwan
Description
Rhododendron (Rhododendron simsii)
Rhododendron simsii, commonly known simply as Rhododendron, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Ericaceae family, notable for its striking and vibrant blooms. This species was first described in European botanical literature in 1854 by the botanist Planch.
Habitat and Distribution
Rhododendron simsii is native to several regions in East and Southeast Asia. Specifically, it can be found flourishing in Southern China, stretching towards Indo-China, as well as on the Nansei-shoto islands and Taiwan. Its natural habitat encompasses a variety of environments, from woodlands to mountainous regions, where it thrives in rich, acidic soils and humid conditions.
Botanical Description
The Rhododendron simsii is renowned for its beautiful, funnel-shaped flowers that emerge in a spectacular array of colors, making it a popular ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes worldwide. The flowers bloom in clusters and can range from white through various shades of pink, red, and purple. Complementing the flowers, the evergreen leaves are leathery and typically dark green, adding to the plant’s ornamental value throughout the year.
Growth and Cultivation
This species of Rhododendron is favored by gardeners for its relatively easy cultivation. It prefers partially shaded areas where it is sheltered from direct, harsh sunlight. The plant thrives best in well-drained, acidic soils that are kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Being mindful of these conditions will help ensure vigorous growth and prolific blooming.
Ecological Significance
Rhododendron simsii is more than just an ornamental plant; it plays an important role in its native ecosystems. The plant provides food and habitat for various species of wildlife and contributes to the overall biodiversity of the areas where it is indigenous.
Conclusion
Rhododendron simsii is a testament to the diversity and beauty found within the Ericaceae family. Its lush, colorful blooms and robust nature make it a beloved choice for gardeners and a vital component of its native habitats. Originating from regions such as Southern China and Taiwan, it has captured the admiration of plant enthusiasts worldwide, maintaining its status as a horticultural favorite.
Common Names
Eng: rhododendron
Por: azaléia, azaléia-belga
Swe: fönsterazalea
En: Rhododendron
Zh: 唐杜鵑, 杜鹃
Hu: Azálea
Ja: Maruba-satsuki
Pt: Azaléia, Azaléia-belga
Sv: Fönsterazalea
Zh-tw: 唐杜鵑
Th: กุหลาบแดง
Vi: Đỗ quyên
Synonyms
- Rhododendron calleryi (Planch.)
- Azalea breynii ((Planch.) André)
- Rhododendron petilum (P.C.Tam)
- Rhododendron simsii var. strigosistylum (G.Z.Li)
- Rhododendron annamense (Rehder)
- Rhododendron viburnifolium (W.P.Fang)
- Azalea vittata (Fortune)
- Rhododendron indicum var. puniceum (Sweet)
- Azalea indica ignescens ((Sweet) Hovey)
- Azalea vittata-punctata ((Van Houtte) Lem.)
- Rhododendron simsii var. albiflorum (R.L.Liu)
- Azalea simsii var. vittata ((Fortune) E.H.Wilson)
- Azalea indica var. vittata ((Fortune) Van Houtte)
- Rhododendron vittatum var. punctatum (Planch.)
- Rhododendron breynii (Planch.)
- Azalea indica vittata-punctata (Van Houtte)
- Rhododendron vittatum ((Fortune) Planch.)
- Azalea simsii ((Planch.) H.F.Copel.)
- Rhododendron indicum var. simsii ((Planch.) Maxim.)
- Rhododendron simsii var. bellum ((W.P.Fang & G.Z.Li) G.Z.Li)
- Rhododendron simsii var. mesembrinum (Rehder)
- Azalea indica var. simsii ((Planch.) Rehder)
- Rhododendron indicum var. ignescens (Sweet)
- Rhododendron indicum var. formosanum (Hayata)
- Azalea fimbriata (Dum.Cours.)
Distribution
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- Laos (native)
- Myanmar (native)
- Nansei-shoto (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Thailand (native)
- Tibet (native)
- Vietnam (native)
- Korea (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Mar 10, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 10, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 18, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 18, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 10, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Oct 2, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 23, 2022 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 30, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 3, 2021 by geraldine bussy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 9, 2022 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Oct 2, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 16, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 30, 2020 by Werner Heemskerk (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 23, 2022 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 23, 2018 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Bark
Taken Dec 30, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 28, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 22, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 4, 2022 by Rubén Espinoza Gálvez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 2, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Apr 21, 2019 by Thierry Pichard (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 25, 2022 by Luana Carvache (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 26, 2019 by Thomas W (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 7, 2020 by Florent wallez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 4, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 9, 2022 by . (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 3, 2019 by sandoval manuel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 13, 2020 by guich angel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 8, 2020 by Hunter A (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 21, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7327627)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:333359-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Rhododendron simsii Planch.)