Manchurian azalea
Rhododendron mucronulatum

Family: Ericaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It loses its leaves during the year. It grows 1-2 m tall. It has many thin branches. The leaves are narrowly oval and 3-7 cm long by 1-4 cm wide. They are brown underneath. The flowers can occur singly or as 3 together. They are funnel shaped and pale red or purple.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows on the edges of forests in north China.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Russia

How it is used for food

The flowers are eaten raw. They are also used in dumplings and wine. The root is used to make a sweet drink with fermented wine.

Edible parts

Flowers, root - drink

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Chindallae, Jindalrae, Kara-genkai-tsutsuji

Synonyms

Rhododendron dauricum var. mucronulatum (Turcz.) Maxim.; Rhododendron dauricum subsp. mucronulatum (Turcz.) Vorosch.;