Rhododendron Catawbiense (Rhododendron albiflorum)

Description

“Pet poisonous” – Toxic parts: entire plant Rhododendron albiflorum is a lung growth species described by William Jackson Hooker . Rhododendron albiflorum is included in the genus rododendron, and the family lung plants. In addition to the nominal form, there is also the subspecies R. a. Warrenii. Rhododendron album is threatened by habitat loss. The habitat loss is due to agriculture, extraction of trees and other species of plants, as well as expansion of infrastructure throughout Java’s forests. The degradation of Java’s forests is more intense in lower elevations, but higher elevations where the plant grows are also affected. (Whitten et al. 1996). Most of Java’s forests have been cleared, and what is left is generally located in mountainous areas. The forests are legally protected, although locals continue to extract trees for timber and firewood, and many depend on the trees for their livelihood. Tree cutting in many places in Java has changed the forest to the point that large parts of former forest are now covered with shrubs, and forest degradation, especially as a result of tree cutting, is widespread throughout. (Smiet, 1992). In order to save the species, more education and a stricter enforcement of the law against tree cutting is required. The Indonesian government must also reach an agreement with locals in Java, as the local's livelihoods often depend on the wood from the trees of these forests. Rhododendron album is grown widely in nurseries throughout the world, especially in the United States. Much research has been done developing hybrids with high aesthetic value. One of the earliest hybrids created was the Rhododendron cawtawbiense var. album, known as the Catawba album. It was bred in 1886 by Anthony Waterer, an early hybridizer (Paghat, 2008). Besides maintaining biodiversity, Rhododendron album is important for its aesthetic value. Rhododendron album, along with the many other variations and hybrids, are popular plants in the landscaping industry, and are used for a variety of decorations, including wedding and special occasion bouquets, corsages, and other floral arrangements.