About Rhododendron wattii:
- It is a small tree attaining a maximum height of 25 feet.
- It is endemic to India and is found in Manipur and Nagaland, in its natural habitat at Dzukou Valley (Nagaland).
- It was first collected by Sir George Watt from Nagaland’s Japfu Hill range during his 1882-85 survey.
- Characteristics:
- It is an evergreen plant, and leaf renewal occurs throughout the year.
- Its flowering occurs from the end of February to April, and fruiting is observed from April to December.
- The flowers present in trusses of 18-25 flowers are pink with darker flecks and purplish basal blotches.
- It is foraged and pollinated by the fire-tailed sunbird (Aethopyga ignicauda) and bumble bees.
Issues with Rhododendron wattii:
- A recent study has found that the natural regeneration of the plant species to be very low although it produces numerous seeds.
- Poor seedling survivability, anthropogenic activities and wildfires were among the factors responsible for the disappearance of this species.
