Wild Rhododendrons

Wild Rhododendrons

　　Taipei is home to over 20 species of wild rhododendrons, which can be found blooming everywhere from lowland areas up to high mountains at altitudes of 4,000 meters. Taipei has been dubbed the “City of Rhododendrons.” Rhododendrons are evergreen or semi-evergreen shrubs with oval-shaped leaves and red flowers, locally referred to in Taiwan as 映山红 (Yingshanhong). Taiwan has many species of wild rhododendrons, and the Formosan red rhododendron is one of the species with the longest flowering duration. It blooms throughout the year, and when paired with its long golden hairs covering the entire plant, it becomes especially striking.