What is the scientific name of azaleas? Not the Genus or family but the scientific name. Thank you!
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There is more than one species of plant called "azalea", though they all belong to two subgenii in the genus Rhododenron. You are probably thinking of Rhododenron japonicum or similar plants, though.
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Typically, a plant's scientific name uses the Genus, species, and sometimes variety. Azaleas are in the genus Rhododendron, with evergreen azaleas in the subgenus Tsutsusi and deciduous azaleas in the subgenus Pentanthera. The reason why azalea names are so screwy and don't fit into the conventional binomial nomenclature is because they have been hybridized and fiddled with by plant breeders for hundreds and hundreds of years.
Evergreen azaleas are native primarily to Japan.
North America has 17 native species of deciduous azaleas. They belong to the Genus "Rhododendron", the first part of the scientific name. They are native to the southeastern United States, except for Rhododendron occidentale and Rhododendron canadense.
Some of the species, the second part of the scientific name are:
canadense, vaseyi, canescens, periclymenoides, prinophyllum. alabamense, arborescens, tlanticum, viscosum, austrinum, calendulaceum, cumberlandense, flammeum, and prunifolium.
Rhododendron eastmanii was recognized as a new species in 1999.
In 2008, Rhododendron colemanii was recognized as another new species.
Some variety names, the third part of the scientific name (when used) are:
'Higasa', 'Kobai', 'Satin Robe', 'Bob Hill', 'Balsaminiflorum', 'Linearifolium',
'Koromo Shikibu', 'Don's Variegated Austrinum', and 'Serenade'
So, an example of a complete scientific name is Rhododendron Pentanthera 'Satin Robe'. Note that the species name (normally all lower case) was omitted because this is actually a hybrid variety between several species.
Spelling counts; genus and sub-genus are always capitalized. Species name is always lowercase. Variety name is enclosed in single quotes. Because this family of plants has been so heavily hybridized through the centuries, it is more descriptive to use the variety part of the name and omit the species part.
Evergreen azaleas are native primarily to Japan.
North America has 17 native species of deciduous azaleas. They belong to the Genus "Rhododendron", the first part of the scientific name. They are native to the southeastern United States, except for Rhododendron occidentale and Rhododendron canadense.
Some of the species, the second part of the scientific name are:
canadense, vaseyi, canescens, periclymenoides, prinophyllum. alabamense, arborescens, tlanticum, viscosum, austrinum, calendulaceum, cumberlandense, flammeum, and prunifolium.
Rhododendron eastmanii was recognized as a new species in 1999.
In 2008, Rhododendron colemanii was recognized as another new species.
Some variety names, the third part of the scientific name (when used) are:
'Higasa', 'Kobai', 'Satin Robe', 'Bob Hill', 'Balsaminiflorum', 'Linearifolium',
'Koromo Shikibu', 'Don's Variegated Austrinum', and 'Serenade'
So, an example of a complete scientific name is Rhododendron Pentanthera 'Satin Robe'. Note that the species name (normally all lower case) was omitted because this is actually a hybrid variety between several species.
Spelling counts; genus and sub-genus are always capitalized. Species name is always lowercase. Variety name is enclosed in single quotes. Because this family of plants has been so heavily hybridized through the centuries, it is more descriptive to use the variety part of the name and omit the species part.