2 NEW RHODODENDRON SPECIES DISCOVERED

Plant and flower enthusiasts have two more names to add to their list.

Officials of the nature recreation and eco-tourism division and the royal botanical park at Lamperi under the forest department have recorded two new species of rhododendron last week, while collecting rhododendron flowers for the upcoming festival, found the plant species at Dochula, be- tween 2,600m to 3,600m above sea level.

Of the two new species, technical report indicates one species has distinctly “inrolled” leaves with a “slight-lobed” base. Unlike other existing rhododendron species, this one has impressed midrib of the leaves.

Among other qualities, its petals appeared clean, are bright white in color with a light pink blotch in one of the five nectar pouches.

The second species, princenamgiae, is a large shrub or a small tree, about five metres in height, with rough light brown bark, and a blue bloom.

A report by a officials stated rhododendron plants in the country bore pink, red and white flowers, while a blue rhododendron bloom was surely a new species.

There are also other technical specifics that determine qualities of the two new species.
Meanwhile, Officials said spotting of two new species of rhododendron in the country showed the conservation of nature has being paying off.

The royal botanical park at Lampari alone has 29 species of rhododendron. With the discovery, it takes the total to 31. In the country, the total species of rhododendron is now at 48.