Rhododendron niveum (Chinese: 西藏毛脉杜鹃) is a rhododendron species native to northeastern India (including Sikkim), Bhutan, and southern Tibet in China, where it grows at altitudes of 2,600–3,500 m (8,500–11,500 ft). It is an evergreen shrub or small tree that grows to 2–6 m (6.6–19.7 ft) in height, with leathery leaves that are oblanceolate to elliptic, 8.5–11 by 3.6–4.6 cm in size. When young the leaves are covered in a white indumentum, which falls off the upper surface but remains on the underside.[2] The flowers are an intense magenta or lilac,[3] and held in a compact ball above the leaves.[2]

Rhododendron niveum
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Rhododendron
Species:
R. niveum
Binomial name
Rhododendron niveum

Cultural depictions

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Rhododendron niveum is the state tree of the Indian state of Sikkim.

References

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  1. ^ "Rhododendron niveum", J. D. Hooker, J. Hort. Soc. London. 7: 78. 1852.
  2. ^ a b "Rhododendron niveum". Trees and Shrubs Online. International Dendrology Society. Retrieved 22 April 2021.
  3. ^ He Mingyou; David F. Chamberlain. "Rhododendron niveum". Flora of China. Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA. Retrieved 20 May 2013.
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