Rhododendron obtusum

Rhododendron obtusum or Kirishima azalea (Scientific name: Rhododendron obtusum) is an endemic Japanese species, evergreen broadleaf shrub of the family Ericaceae. Selected from the Kirishima mountain in the southern part of Kyushu, improved mountain azalea was selected and cultivated mainly in Edo area during the Edo period, and then spread throughout Japan. The height of trees is about 50 to 100 cm. Leaves are green, oblong and attached to each other in pairs. From April to May, 2 or 3 rings will bloom with red, red purple, pink, white flower similar to rhododendron. Flower diameter is 5 ~ 5 cm at 2 ~ 3 cm. There are five stamens. Uses include bonsai, potted plant, cut flower, flower arrangement, garden tree, hedge, park tree.