Rhododendron wattii Tree

Rhododendron wattii Tree Latest News

Recently, a study highlighted the endangered Rhododendron wattii in Nagaland.

About Rhododendron wattii Tree

• It is a shrub or tree and grows primarily in the temperate biome.
• It is a small tree attaining a maximum height of 25 feet.
• It is endemic to Manipur and Nagaland, especially found growing in its natural habitat at Dzukou Valley (Nagaland).
• It was first collected by Sir George Watt from Nagaland’s Japfu Hill range during his 1882-85 survey.
• Characteristics of Rhododendron wattii Tree
  • It is an evergreen plant, and leaf renewal occurs throughout the year.
  • Its flowering occurs from the end of February to April, and fruiting is observed from April to December.
  • The flowers present in trusses of 18-25 flowers are pink with darker flecks and purplish basal blotches.
  • They are foraged and pollinated by the Fire-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga ignicauda and bumble bees.

Issues with Rhododendron wattii Tree

• A study found the natural regeneration of the plant species to be very low although it produces numerous seeds after the flowers are pollinated mainly by the fire-tailed sunbird and bumble bees.
• Poor seedling survivability, anthropogenic activities, and wildfires were among the factors responsible for the disappearance of this species.

Rhododendron wattii Tree FAQs

Q1: Which type of tree is rhododendron?

Ans: Rhododendron arboreum, the tree rhododendron, is an evergreen shrub or small tree.

Q2: What is the habitat of the rhododendron tree?

Ans: They can be found in a variety of habitats including forest floors, stream sides, marshes, ridges, glades, cliffs, rocks, boulders, open meadows, thickets, scree, mountain tops, and even trees.

Source: TH