Rhododendron simsii

Rhododendron simsii
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Ericales
Family:	Ericaceae
Genus:	Rhododendron
Species:	R. simsii
Binomial name
Rhododendron simsii Planch.
Synonyms
Euodia confusa Merr. Azalea indica var. simsii (Planch.) L.H. Bailey Rhododendron breynii Planch. Rhododendron danielsianum Planch. Rhododendron decumbens D. Don ex G. Don Rhododendron hannoense Nakai Rhododendron indicum (L.) Sweet (Satsuki azalea) Rhododendron lateritium Planch. Rhododendron macranthum (Bunge) G. Don

Rhododendron simsii (杜鵑) is a rhododendron species native to East Asia, where it grows at altitudes of 500–2,700 m (1,600–8,900 ft).

Description

It is a twiggy evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub growing to 2 m (6.6 ft) in height, with leaves that are ovate, elliptic-ovate or obovate to oblanceolate, 1.5–5 by 0.5–3 cm in size. The flowers range from white to dark red. Some varieties of Rhododendron simsii are poisonous due to the presence of grayanotoxin.[1]

Distribution

The species is common in Hong Kong. It is also distributed in Areas south of Yangtze in China as well as in Vietnam and Thailand.[2]

The specific name simsii commemorates John Sims (1749-1831) who was the first editor of "Magazine Botanique". [3]

This slightly tender species is quite rare in the west, though well known in Chinese gardens.[4]

References

1. Poon WT, Ho CH, Yip KL, Lai CK, Cheung KL, Sung RY, Chan AY, Mak TW Grayanotoxin poisoning from Rhododendron simsii in an infant. Hong Kong Med J. 2008 Oct;14(5):405-7
2. Hong Kong Herbarium Native Azaleas of Hong Kong
3. (in French) Dictionnaire étymologique de botanique
4. "Rhododendron simsii". Trees and Shrubs Online. International Dendrology Society. Retrieved 22 April 2021.

• "Rhododendron simsii", Planchon, Fl. Serres Jard. Eur. 9: 78. 1853–1854. 1853.