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Botanical Name : Rhododendron campanulatum
Family: Ericaceae
Subfamily:Ericoideae
Tribe: Rhodoreae
Genus: Rhododendron
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Ericales
Common names: Bell Rhododendron • Hindi Name: Burans, Semru
Habitat : Rhododendron campanulatum is native to E. Asia – Himalayan alpine regions of Northern India, Bhutan, and Nepal. It is found on open slopes in the alpine zone at elevations between 2,800 and 4,400 metres. Rhododendron thickets on mountain slopes.
Description:
Rhododendron campanulatum is a gregarious evergreen herb of 1.5 to 2.5 m. Its leaves are very interesting. They are broadly elliptic to oval, to 14 cm long, dark glossy green above, with brown felted wooly hairs below. In fact, running a finger on the underside of the leaves gives one a velvety feel. Beautiful bell-shaped flowers are pale mauve to rosy-purple, rarely white, purple spotted inside. Flowers grow in large trusses, or clusters, which can be up to 10 inches across. Each flower is shaped like a small bell about 1 – 1.5 inch long.
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It is in leaf 12-Jan It is in flower from Apr to May, and the seeds ripen from Jul to August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects.
Cultivation:
Succeeds in most humus rich lime free soils except those of a dry arid nature or heavy or clayey. Prefers a peaty or well-drained sandy loam. Succeeds in sun or shade, the warmer the climate the more shade a plant requires[200]. Requires a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. Succeeds in a woodland though, because of its surface-rooting habit, it does not compete well with surface-rooting trees. Plants need to be kept well weeded, they dislike other plants growing over or into their root system, in particular they grow badly with ground cover plants, herbaceous plants and heathers. There are many named varieties selected for their ornamental value. Plants form a root ball and are very tolerant of being transplanted, even when quite large, so long as the root ball is kept intact. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.
Propagation:
Seed – best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in the autumn and given artificial light. Alternatively sow the seed in a lightly shaded part of the warm greenhouse in late winter or in a cold greenhouse in April. Surface-sow the seed and do not allow the compost to become dry. Pot up the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a greenhouse for at least the first winter. Layering in late July. Takes 15 – 24 months. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, August in a frame. Difficult.
Meditional Uses:
he leaves are mixed with tobacco and used as a snuff in the treatment of colds and headaches that affect only one side of the head. The juice of the leaves is also used in the treatment of chronic rheumatism, sciatica and syphilis. The dried twigs and wood are used in the treatment of phthisis and chronic.
Other Uses:
Fuel; Miscellany…….An excellent fuel wood is obtained from this plant.
Known Hazards : The leaves are considered to be poisonous. The flowers of many species can cause intoxication in large quantities.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhododendron
http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Rhododendron+campanulatum
http://www.flowersofindia.net/catalog/slides/Bell%20Rhododendron.html
http://www.valleyofflowers.info/flowers-found-in-valley-of-flowers/rhododendron-campanulatum/
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