Bearing single or double-flowered flowers in bright and beautiful colours, rhododendrons show great variety. When in bloom, they are so beautiful that numerous visitors are attracted to admire the blossoms.
There are six native species of rhododendrons in Hong Kong, among which Champion's Rhododendron (Rhododendron championiae) is extremely precious and scarce, with distribution limited to only a few locations. The largest population of Champion's Rhododendron is found in the mountainous areas around San Chau on Lantau Island, which has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Champion's Rhododendrons are evergreen shrubs and small trees commonly found on open slopes in Hong Kong, flowering from March to May.
The flowers of Champion's Rhododendron are not only fragrant, but also have the largest corolla among the native rhododendrons. The funnel-shaped corolla has a diameter of 6 to 12 cm, with white to light pink petals with yellow spots. As the name suggests, the entire plant (except petals), including young branches, petioles, and pedicels, is clothed with glandular hairs, which is another distinctive identifying feature of the plant. In general, these glandular hairs serve to protect the plant, such as secreting substances to repel and combat insects or deterring insect movement on the plant to prevent insect bites. Some also speculate that these hairs aid water retention during the plant's early stages, for example, by refracting sunlight and reducing air flow on the leaf surface to minimise water evaporation from the leaves.
Champion's Rhododendrons usually grow on steep slopes. Their flowers are rather short-lived, with studies suggesting that the flowers bloom for only about three days. To witness these rhododendrons in their resplendent full bloom, one must be acquainted with their ecological characteristics and flowering season. Champion's Rhododendrons are protected by law in Hong Kong. So, let us savour their magnificence with our eyes only, leaving these exquisite blossoms undisturbed for all to enjoy.