388 



RHODODENDRON RHODOTYPOS 



in hard winters most of it is lost. The colour of the flowers is one of the 

 most delicate seen in rhododendrons. Since the first plants were introduced, 

 others, raised either from subsequently imported seeds or from cultivated 

 plants, have appeared, which vary considerably in the tint and spotting of 

 the corolla. It is easily increased by cuttings. 



RHODOTHAMNUS CHAM^ECISTUS, Reichenbach. ERICACE^:. 



(Rhododendron Chamaecistus, Linnczus ; Bot. Mag., t. 488.) 



A low or semi-prostrate evergreen shrub, rarely more than i ft. high ; 

 young shoots minutely downy, but almost hidden by the closely set 



leaves. Leaves almost without stalks, 

 narrowly oval, J to ^ in. long, half or 

 less than half as wide, tapered at both 

 ends, edged with conspicuous bristles, 

 otherwise smooth and glossy green on 

 both sides. Flowers produced during 

 April at the end of the twigs, two to 

 four in each cluster. Corolla pale, 

 clear rose, spreading, i to ij ins. 

 diameter, the five lobes ovate, rounded, 

 half as deep as the corolla ; calyx J in. 

 diameter, the five lobes linear-ovate, 

 pointed, covered like the stalk (which 

 is J in. long) with gland-tipped hairs. 

 Stamens ten, smooth, J in. long ; 

 anthers very dark purple. Seed-vessel 

 globose, hairy, many-seeded, with the 

 sepals persisting at the base. 



Native -of the Austrian Alps ; in- 

 troduced by the firm of Loddiges in 

 1786. Plants ar<) usually imported 

 from the Tyrol, where they are always 

 found on a limestoae formation, but 



prove difficult to establish. It is essentially a rock garden shrub, the 

 best position for it being one exposed to full sunshine, but where its 

 roots can spread in some pocket or crevice between the stones, always 

 cool and moist. A healthy, well-established plant covers itself with 

 blossom every spring. It is one of the most attractive of all alpine 

 shrubs. The only successful method of propagation appears to be by 

 separating pieces with roots attached from the older plants. Limestone 

 is probably "desirable in the neighbourhood of its roots, but not essential. 



RHODOTHAMNUS CHAM^GCISTUS. 



RHODOTYPOS KERRIOIDES, Siebold. ROSACES. 



(Bot. Mag., t. 5805.) 



A deciduous shrub growing about 6 ft. high ; branches erect ; young 

 shoots smooth. Leaves opposite, ovate, long-pointed; 2\ to 4 ins. long, 



