Rhododendron cinnabarinum
Family: Ericaceae
What it is like
An evergreen shrub. It grows 3 m high and spreads 2 m wide. It can be straggling. The leaves are round and waxy. They are 3-6 cm long by 2-3 cm wide. They are green. The flowers are at the ends of the branches. The flowers are bell shaped and red or orange and waxy. There are 3-9 flowers in a group.
Where it is found
A temperate plant. In SW China they are in open woodlands and on the edges of forests between 1,900-4,000 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 6-9. In Rhodo gardens. In Yunnan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Bhutan, Himalayas (country/location of origin), India, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim, Tasmania, Tibet
How it is used for food
The flowers are used to prepare a jam. CAUTION: The plant contains a poison andromedotoxin which affects even honeymade from the flowers.
Edible parts
Flowers
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Balu, Kechung, Kema, Labre gurans, Sanu chimal, Ye jiu