Rhododendron yunnanense

Family: Ericaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It sometimes loses its leaves. It grows 1-2 m tall. The leaves are oval and 3-7 cm long by 1-3 cm wide. The base is narrow. They are grey-green underneath. The flowers are in groups of 3-6 at or near the ends of branches. They are funnel shaped and white, pale red or pale purple and red or yellow inside.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in mixed forests on slopes between 2,200-3,600 m above sea level. In Yunnan. In Rhodo gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, China (country/location of origin), Himalayas, Myanmar, SE Asia, Tasmania, Tibet, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The fresh young flowers are eaten as a snack.

Edible parts

Flowers

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Doquyen vannam

Synonyms

Rhododendron aechmophyllum Balf.f. & Forrest; Rhododendron bodinieri Franch.; Rhododendron chartophyllum Franch.; Rhododendron chartophyllum f. praecox Diels; Rhododendron hormophorum Balf.f. & Forrest; Rhododendron pleistanthum Balf.f. ex Hutch.; Rhododendron sanguinii H. Lev.; Rhododendron shaanxiense W. P. Fang & Z. J. Zhao; Rhododendron suberosum Balf.f. & Forrest;