Pontic rhododendron

Description:

This evergreen shrub is densely branched growing to 5m. Flowers, borne in racemes of 10-15, are violet to purple. Pollination by insects results in the production of numerous small seeds within a woody capsule. Suckering of the root, together with its abundant seed production, has led to it becoming an invasive species over much of western Europe and in parts of New Zealand. Rhododendron control is a key element in nature conservation in those areas. Clearance strategies have been developed, including the flailing and cutting down of plants with follow-up herbicide spraying. Injection of herbicide into individual plants has been found to be more precise and effective.

Habitat:

Strictly confined to acid soils, its habitats include moorland, woods, screes, rocky banks, derelict gardens and streamsides. It is no longer extending its broad geographical range, and is being controlled at some sites but is still spreading at many others.

Notes:

Eventhough it is an invasive species, it does produce beautiful flowers. Spotted in Nieuwe Rande in rural area of Deventer, Holland. (sources:see reference)