Herb: Rhododendron


Latin name: Rhododendron indicum


Synonyms: Azalea indica


Family: Ericaceae (Heath Family)



Edible parts of Rhododendron:

Flowers. No further details are given but some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Leaves. No further details are given but some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. The galls on the leaves are also said to be edible. The report does not say if the galls are eaten before or after the insect has left. Caution is advised, see notes above on toxicity.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Shrub

Height:
2 m
(6 1/2 foot)

Flowering:
June

Habitat of the herb:

Rocks in ravines, C. and S. Japan.

Other uses of Rhododendron:

Plants can be grown as ground cover when spaced about 1 metre apart each way.

Propagation of the herb:

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.

Cultivation of Rhododendron:

Rocks in ravines, C. and S. Japan.

Medicinal use of the herb:

None known

Known hazards of Rhododendron indicum:

Although no specific mention of toxicity has been seen for this species, it belongs to a genus where many members have poisonous leaves. The pollen of many if not all species of rhododendrons is also probably toxic, being said to cause intoxication when eaten in large quantities.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.