Table 1 Ecological characteristics and biological traits of three Rhododendron species
Species | R. yunnanense | R. irroratum | R. delavayi |
|---|---|---|---|
Life form | Shrubs, rarely small trees | Shrubs or small trees | Shrubs or trees |
Distribution | Guizhou, S Shanxi, W Sichuan, Xizang, Yunnan | W Guizhou, SW Sichuan, N and SE Yunnan | NW Guangxi, W Guizhou, SW Sichuan, SE Xizang, Yunnan |
Altitude (m) | 2200-3600 | 1700-3500 | 1200-3200 |
Habitat | Mixed forests on shade slopes, Abies-Picea or Pinus-Quercus forest margins, thickets | Evergreen broad-leaved forests, mixed forests | Mixed forests, evergreen broad-leaved forests, forest margins, thickets, hills, rocky slopes, open field |
Flower period | Apr-Jun | Mar-May | May |
Fruit period | Sep-Oct | Sep-Oct | Dec |