Rhododendron arboreum (Burans)

Rhododendron arboreum (Tree Rhododendron), also known as burans or gurans, is an evergreen shrub or small tree with a showy display of bright red flowers. It is found in Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka andThailand. Rhododendron arboreum is the national flower of Nepal and the state tree of Uttarakhand in India.

Description

Its name means "tending to be woody or growing in a tree-like form". It has been recorded as reaching heights of up to 20 m, although more usually it has a height and spread up to 12 m (36 ft) x 12 m (36 ft).This plant holds the Guinness Record for World's Largest Rhododendron.

In early- and mid-spring, trusses of 15-20 bell-shaped flowers, 5 cm (2 in) wide and 3–5 cm (1.25–2 in) long are produced in red, pink or white. They have black nectar pouches and black spots inside.

CULTIVATED AREA FOR BURANS

It prefers moist but well-drained, leafy, humus-rich, acid soil, in dappled shade. It has broad, dark green leaves, 7–19 cm (3–7 in) long, with a silvery, fawn or brown hairy coating beneath.

This plant is suitable for woodland gardens.

Shelter is imperative to prevent wind damage to leaves.

IT IS OF VAROUS COLOURS AND TYPES eg.

                                               Tall Rhododendron arboreum near Thrashigyangtze, EasternBhutan

                                         Rhododendron arboreum subsp. zeylanicum atHorton Plains National Park