Rhododendron lochiae

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Rhododendron lochiae

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Ericales
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Rhododendron
Subgenus: Rhododendron
Species: R. lochiae
Binomial name
Rhododendron lochiae
F. Muell.

Rhododendron lochiae is one of two recognised species of Rhododendron endemic to Australia.

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[edit] Description

It is a small shrub which has glossy, elliptic leaves. In spring and summer it produces terminal clusters of waxy, red bell-shaped flowers. Each flower is about 5 cm long and 3 cm wide, and occurs in groups of up to six per cluster.

[edit] Taxonomy

Rhododendron lochiae was first described by Ferdinand von Mueller in 1887 who gave it the specific epithet lochae in honour of Lady Loch, a patron of horticulture in Australia and wife of the Governor of Victoria .The spelling was later amended to lochiae. The type specimen was collected by Sayers and Davidson who came across the species while ascending Mount Bellenden Ker.

It is classified within subgenus Rhododendron, section Vireya, subsection Euvireya.

Forms with a straight corolla tube that were previously included within the species were reclassified as Rhododendron viriosum Craven in 2002. Those with a curved corolla tube, at one stage known as R.notiale Craven, now remain in R.lochiae.

[edit] Hybrids

A large number of hybrids derived from Rhododendron lochiae crossed with other species in the section Vireya, have been produced.

[edit] Distribution

Rhododendron lochiae occurs on mountain tops in tropical north Queensland. It is found in protected situations, often situated in rocky areas with high rainfall and high humidity.

[edit] Cultivation

The first record of cultivation related to a specimen which was growing,and subsequently flowered, at Kew Gardens in 1939. Plants require good drainage, constant moisture, good light and a semi-shaded position protected from frost and hot sun.

[edit] References