There are many species of rhododendron that might pass you by when you’re faced with huge trees of them in bloom so lavishly that you cannot keep your eyes off them.
I caught a glimpse of a different red hue close to the ground and the road. We stopped so I could take closer look and lo and behold, I found yet another species new to me, rhododendron thomsonii. And with inflorescences in such wonderful condition, just like the large rhododendrons here! None of the flowers were passed their prime, and some still buds.
Compared to the large rhododendrons this one is just a bush with thin branches and very rounded leaves and inflorescences carrying just a few flowers with lots of space between them. It appears as if it is a plant receiving too little of everything and has barely the energy to grow a few branches and flowers. It also did not hold any scent, so the attraction is all visual.
The color is, as with all rhododendrons in my opinion, truly wonderful and so rich and vibrant.
I am grateful to have timed my visit so well, as in in just a few days, or weeks at most, this colorful landscape will have reverted back to green hues and the colorful splendor again hidden in the cells of these amazing plant species.
Elevation: 3309 meters.
Native range is eastern Himalaya to Myanmar.
Last updated on 8 November 2024
