Rhododendron kesangiae

Rhododendron kesangiae is a rhododendron species endemic to Bhutan, where it grows at altitudes of 2,890–3,450 m (9,480–11,320 ft) in the fir and hemlock forests.[1] It is called Tala (ཏ་ལ) in Dzongkha. It is a large shrub[2] or tree that typically grows to 15 m (49 ft) in height, with leaves that are broadly elliptic to almost obovate, and 20–30 cm (7.9–11.8 in) long by 10–16 cm (3.9–6.3 in) broad. The flowers are rose pink, fading to purple.

Rhododendron kesangiae
Rhododendron kesangiae from Pele La Pass where the holotype was collected
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Rhododendron
Species:
R. kesangiae
Binomial name
Rhododendron kesangiae
D.G. Long & Rushforth
Varieties
  • Rhododendron kesangiae var. album

Etymology

The species name kesangiae was given in honour to the Royal Grandmother, Ashi Kesang Choden (born 1930) Wangchuck of Bhutan.

Flowering

Rhododendron kesangiae flowers from April to May.[3]

Lower taxa
  • Rhododendron kesangiae var. album P. Namgyel & D.G. Long
  • Rhododendron kesangiae var. kesangiae

References
  1. Yangzom, Rinchen; Long, David (11 November 2015). Plants endemic to Bhutan Himalaya. Serbithang, Thimphu: National Biodiversity Centre. p. 49. ISBN 9789993676355.
  2. "Rhododendron kesangiae". Trees and Shrubs Online. International Dendrology Society. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
  3. Grierson, A.J.C.; Long, D.G. Flora of Bhutan : including a record of plants from Sikkim. Volume 2, Part 1 [Angiospermae: Rutaceae - Ericaceae]. Royal Botanic Garden. ISBN 1872291023.
  • Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 45: 331 1988 publ. 1989.
  • "Rhododendron kesangiae: an endemic species from Bhutan with a description of a new variety", New Plantsman, Namgyel, P. Long, D.G. (Department of Forests, Thimphu, Bhutan), 1995. ISSN 1352-4186.
  • Flora of Bhutan. Volume 2, part 1, Grierson A.J.C. & Long D.G., published by RBGE, 1991.


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.