Rhododendron setosum
Family: Ericaceae
What it is like
A shrub. It grows about 30 cm high. The branches are densely covered with bristles. The leaves are 8-15 cm long by 4-6 cm wide. They are oblong and scaly on the upper surface. They are densely scaly and bristly underneath. The flowers are bright purple or pink. The fruit is a capsule. It is oval.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. In Nepal it grows between 3,700-5,600 m altitude.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Nepal, Sikkim, Tibet
How it is used for food
The dried petals are used as a substitute for tea.
Edible parts
Flower petals - tea, leaves - tea
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed.
Its other names
Local names
Silu, Siru, Su du, Taslluo