Rhododendron anthopogon

Family: Ericaceae

What it is like

A compact shrub. It grows about 30-90 cm high. It spreads 90 cm wide. The leaves have stalks. The leaves are oval and can have a sharp tip. The upper surface is slightly scaly and the lower surface is densely scaly. The leaves have an aroma when crushed. The flowers are yellow or red. They are tube shaped. The fruit is a capsule. It is oval and enclosed in a layer of the flower which remains.

There are about 850 Rhododendron species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. In Nepal it grows between 3300-4600 m altitude. It grows on open, moist hillsides. It suits hardiness zones 7-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim, Tibet

How it is used for food

The flowers are dried and used as a substitute for tea. The leaves are boiled in water for tea.

Edible parts

Flowers - tea, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Ba-lu-dkar-po, Banchai, Chulthi amilo, Dhoop, Kai zaban, Kodya, Korlingo, La qi la ni, Morua, Nera, Nichni, Palu, Rattankat, Sunpati, Talis-faz, Talisa, Talisri, Tazaktsum

Synonyms

Rhododendron anthopogon var. album Davidian;