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Pilchuck Chapter ARS |
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With Gerry’s recent exposition on Rhododendron morphology and a possible R. species presentation at the next meeting, I thought it a good idea to publish some of the more commonly used terms in Rhododendronspeak: Apex – The tip of the leaf Axillary bud – The bud that grows between the base of the leaf stem (petiole) and plant stem. Bark Split – A physical injury caused by the sap in the stem freezing and expanding. This usually occurs after a quick freeze after a prolonged warm period during the winter. Calyx – A separate petal-like growth outside and at the base of the flower. Some calyces are so large that they give the appearance of a double flower. Capsule – The dried seed pod. Chlorosis – A yellowing of the leaves caused by a mineral imbalance, too much or too little water, or climatic or genetic problems. Clone – Individual plants that are derived from a single plant and are genetically uniform. (Not grown from seed). Corolla – The petals and tube of a flower. Cultivar – An individual variety of a plant. Dead Heading – Removing spent flowers from a plant so that energy goes into growth instead of seed production. Deciduous – Losing all leaves in the fall. Diploid – Having two sets of chromosomes. Elepidote – In most cases, a large leafed rhododendron having no scales on the leaf underside. (Opposite of lepidote). Hardiness Rating (British system). Hose in hose – A second corolla within the first Hybrid – A cross between two plants. Indumentum – A dense wooly covering found on the underside of some rhododendron leaves. Ironclad – Some of the old R. catawbiense hybrids and others of similar breeding considered to be super hardy. They are generally hardy to -25 degrees, subject to microclimate and unusual weather circumstances. Included are America, Boule de Neige, Catawbiense Boursault, Caractacus, English Roseum, Everestanium, Ignatious Sargent, Lees Dark Purple, Mrs. Charles S. Sargent, Nova Zembla, Roseum Elegans and Roseum Pink.
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