Rhododendron kesangiae is a rhododendron species endemic to Bhutan, where it grows at altitudes of 2,890–3,450 m (9,480–11,320 ft) in the fir and hemlock forests.[2] It is called Tala (ཏ་ལ) in Dzongkha. It is a large shrub[3] or tree that typically grows to 15 m (49 ft) in height, with leaves that are broadly elliptic to almost obovate, and 20–30 cm (7.9–11.8 in) long by 10–16 cm (3.9–6.3 in) broad. The flowers are rose pink, fading to purple.
| Rhododendron kesangiae | |
|---|---|
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| Rhododendron kesangiae from Pele La Pass where the holotype was collected | |
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Ericaceae |
| Genus: | Rhododendron |
| Species: | R. kesangiae
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| Binomial name | |
| Rhododendron kesangiae D.G. Long & Rushforth
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| Varieties | |
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Etymology
editThe species name kesangiae was given in honour to the Royal Grandmother, Ashi Kesang Choden (born 1930) Wangchuck of Bhutan.
Flowering
editRhododendron kesangiae flowers from April to May.[4]
Lower taxa
edit- Rhododendron kesangiae var. album P. Namgyel & D.G. Long
- Rhododendron kesangiae var. kesangiae
References
edit- ^ Bhutan Endemic Flowering Plants Workshop. (2017). "Rhododendron kesangiae". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T84482018A84548368. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T84482018A84548368.en. Retrieved 8 October 2024.
- ^ Yangzom, Rinchen; Long, David (11 November 2015). Plants endemic to Bhutan Himalaya. Serbithang, Thimphu: National Biodiversity Centre. p. 49. ISBN 9789993676355.
- ^ "Rhododendron kesangiae". Trees and Shrubs Online. International Dendrology Society. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
- ^ Grierson, A.J.C.; Long, D.G. "Angiospermae: Rutaceae - Ericaceae". Flora of Bhutan : including a record of plants from Sikkim. Vol. 2. Royal Botanic Garden. ISBN 1872291023.
- Notes Roy. Bot. Gard. Edinburgh 45: 331 1988 publ. 1989.
- "Rhododendron kesangiae: an endemic species from Bhutan with a description of a new variety", New Plantsman, Namgyel, P. Long, D.G. (Department of Forests, Thimphu, Bhutan), 1995. ISSN 1352-4186.
- Flora of Bhutan. Volume 2, part 1, Grierson A.J.C. & Long D.G., published by RBGE, 1991.
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