Rhododendron moulmainense, Westland's rhododendron, is a species of Rhododendron native to southern China (Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hong Kong, Hunan, Yunnan), Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.[1]

Rhododendron moulmainense
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Ericales
Family:	Ericaceae
Genus:	Rhododendron
Species:	R. moulmainense
Binomial name
Rhododendron moulmainense Hook.f.

It is an evergreen shrub or small tree 3–8 m (9.8–26.2 ft) tall. The leaves are 4–13 cm long, elliptical and leathery. Every leaf has a curving margin rolling backward toward the underside. The flowers are fragrant, borne on top of the branches, in umbels and in groups of two to four. The petals are white or pink, with the inner parts spotted orange. The flowering period is from March to April. The fruit is a cylindrical, 2.5–5 cm long capsule, 6-angled along its length, bearing numerous small seeds. The fruiting period is from May to June.

Name

The common name "Westland's rhododendron" honours A. B. Westland, the first Superintendent of the Botanic Gardens, Hong Kong.[2]

Protection

In Hong Kong, where it occurs on Ma On Shan, Pat Sin Leng, Wu Kau Tang, and Lantau Island, it is a protected species under Forestry Regulations Cap. 96A.

Cultivation

This plant is widespread in its native habitat. However, in temperate climates it requires some protection, as it does not tolerate freezing temperatures.[3]

References

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