Rhododendron (from
Ancient Greek ῥόδον "rose" and δέντρο "tree") is a
genus of 1,024
species of woody plants in the
heath family (Ericaceae), either
evergreen or
deciduous, and found mainly in
Asia, although it is also widespread throughout the Southern Highlands of the Appalachian Mountains of North America. It is the
national flower of
Nepal. Most species have showy flowers which bloom from late winter through to early summer.
Azaleas make up two subgenera of
Rhododendron. They are distinguished from "true" rhododendrons by having only five anthers per flower.