Rhododendron lochiae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rhododendron lochiae |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| (unranked): | |
| (unranked): | |
| (unranked): | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: | |
| Subgenus: |
Rhododendron
|
| Species: |
R. lochiae
|
| Binomial name | |
| Rhododendron lochiae |
|
Rhododendron lochiae is a beautiful shrub. It grows naturally in Australia. You can find it in the tropical rainforests of northeastern Queensland. It likes cool, misty mountain tops called cloud forests. This plant is special because it only grows in this area (it's endemic). It belongs to the Ericaceae plant family.
Contents
What Does Rhododendron lochiae Look Like?
This plant is a small shrub. It has shiny, oval-shaped leaves. In spring and summer, it grows bright red flowers. These flowers look like waxy bells. Each flower is about 5 centimeters long. They grow in groups of up to six flowers together.
How Was Rhododendron lochiae Named?
The plant Rhododendron lochiae was first described in 1887. A scientist named Ferdinand von Mueller gave it its name. He named it lochiae to honor Lady Loch. She was a big supporter of gardening in Australia. She was also the wife of the Governor of Victoria.
What Are Rhododendron Hybrids?
Scientists have created many new plants. They did this by mixing R. lochiae with other Rhododendron types. These mixed plants are called hybrids.
Where Does Rhododendron lochiae Grow?
Rhododendron lochiae lives in cloud forests. These forests are found on mountain tops. You can see them in the Wet Tropics area of northeastern Queensland. This region is a World Heritage site. The plant likes places with lots of rain and humidity. It often grows in rocky spots.
How to Grow Rhododendron lochiae?
The first time this plant was grown outside its natural home was in 1939. It grew and flowered at Kew Gardens in England. If you want to grow this plant, it needs special care. It needs soil that drains water well. It also needs to stay moist all the time. The plant likes good light but prefers a spot with some shade. It must be protected from frost and very hot sun.
