Wildflower of the valley
Scaly Rhododendron
Rhododendron lepidotum
- How easy to find
- Rare — you will see it only in some places
- Flower size
- Medium
- Family
- Ericaceae (Heath family)
- Height
- 1.5–2 m
- Altitude
- 3600–4500 m
- Flower colour
- Pink or purple
- Flowering
- June to early August
- Status
- Threatened
About Scaly Rhododendron
Rhododendron lepidotum is an aromatic, resinous and growing shrublet of height 1.5 to 2 m. Branches are rough covered with lepidote scales all over. Leaves are narrowly oblanceolate covered with brownish scales on both surfaces. Petiole is short. Flowers are pink or purple in color. Can be found solitary or in clusters.The specific name lepidotum refers to scales are present in the plant. This flower is a near threatened species.
Where to find it
- Near the entrance of the valley
- In the middle of the valley
Habitat
Shruberries and mountain slopes, often found in colonies.
What the name means
Rhododendron is Greek rhodon (rose) + dendron (tree); lepidotum means "scaly", after the tiny scales on the leaf underside.
Don't confuse it with
Rhododendron campanulatum (sno 116) is a large shrub with bell-shaped white or pink flowers; R. lepidotum is much smaller with red or yellow flowers.
