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Dwarf Golden Rhododendron

Rhododendron aureum

Photo by triggsturner
Published on Project Noah
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55.1115, 166.194

Field Notes

Description:

A small rhododendron growing up to 600mm but I never saw one more than 300mm and out on the tundra usually about 200mm high and often prostrate. Bright green leathery leaves about 1-4 inches long, bright cream through yellow trumpet shaped flowers growing in clusters of 3-8. The name Aureum refers to the gold colour of the flowers.

Habitat:

These plants seen growing on mixed tundra and crowberry fields on Bering Island in the Commander Island group. They are found in eastern Siberia, and are usual in Kamchatka.

Notes:

A very hardy and slow growing plant. Can survive well under snow, and down to -15 degrees F. In 10 years it can reach up to 2 feet high. This species has some medicinal properties and has been widely hybridized for horticultural and ornamental use. But this plant you are looking at is the real thing!

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Comments (1)

Thank you Polilla. The plants were up by Commander Bering's crews grave sites. Quite surreal given the location. A rhododendron was one of the last things I expected to see there ;)

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