Rhododendron spinuliferum
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Rhododendron spinuliferum | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Ericaceae |
| Genus: | Rhododendron |
| Species: | R. spinuliferum |
| Binomial name | |
| Rhododendron spinuliferum | |
Rhododendron spinuliferum is a species of flowering plant in the family Ericaceae, native to Yunnan and Sichuan, China.
Rhododendron spinuliferum grows as an evergreen shub 0.5 to 3.5 m (1.6 to 11.5 ft) high. It has delicate oval or lanceolate (spear-shaped) leaves 3 to 10.5 cm (1.2 to 4.1 in) long by 1.8 to 3.8 cm (0.71 to 1.50 in) wide, with cuneate (wedge-shaped) bases and pointed tips.[1] The red tube-shaped flowers appear from February to June.[1][2] These tubular corollas and tapered ends are unusual for the genus.[3]
Taxonomy
French botanist Adrien René Franchet described Rhododendron spinuliferum in 1895. Two subspecies are recognised.[1] Within the genus Rhododendron, it lies in the subgenus Rhododendron and section Rhododendron. Analysis of its DNA shows it is most closely related to R. triflorum, the two sister species having R. keiskei as the next closest relative. However, the section appears to be polyphyletic, with these species early offshoots of the section Vireya.[4]
Distribution and habitat
The range is southwestern Sichuan and northeastern to western Yunnan at altitudes ranging from 1,900 to 2,500 m (6,200 to 8,200 ft), in coniferous forests with Keteleeria, or mixed conifer and deciduous forest with oak (Quercus),[1] in shaded areas and thickets.[2]
