Rhododendron luteum

Rhododendron luteum, commonly known as the yellow azalea, is a striking deciduous shrub native to East Asia. Renowned for its brilliant yellow blooms, this medicinal plant has historically been used in traditional practices. It contains various bioactive compounds, offering potential therapeutic benefits, though careful handling is required due to toxicity.

  • Scientific name: Rhododendron luteum
  • Family: Ericaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it follows the order Ericales and is a member of the family Ericaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Rhododendron.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Ericales WCVP
Family Ericaceae WCVP
Genus Rhododendron WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Rhododendron luteum, is recognized by various local names across different regions and languages. In Poland, it is referred to as różanecznik żółty, while in Russia, it is called Рододендрон жёлткий. The Georgian language uses the name იელი for this species, and in Ukraine, it is known as Рододендрон жовтий. Additionally, in Denmark, it is commonly called Guldazalea.
Language Common Name Source
pl różanecznik żółty Wikidata
ru Рододендрон жёлтый Wikidata
ka იელი Wikidata
uk Рододендрон жовтий Wikidata
da Guldazalea Wikidata
be Рададэндран жоўты Wikidata
kbd АӀуей Wikidata
os Залгъæд Wikidata
sv Guldazalea Wikidata
az Sarı rododendron Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, it can be found growing in both Great Britain and Ireland. Moving toward Middle Europe, the species is also established within the borders of Germany. Furthermore, its presence extends into the landscapes of Poland. Finally, the geographical range of this medicinal plant includes the country of Austria.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Ireland WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Poland WCVP
Southeastern Europe NW. Balkan Pen. WCVP
Eastern Europe Belarus WCVP
Eastern Europe Baltic States WCVP
Eastern Europe Ukraine WCVP
Caucasus North Caucasus WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Rhododendron luteum, is characterized by its distinctive foliage, specifically its evergreen leaves. These leaves are typically elliptical or oblong in shape, possessing a leathery texture and a smooth, glossy surface that helps the plant retain moisture. In a medicinal context, while much attention is often paid to the flowers, the chemical constituents found within the leaves contribute to the overall profile of the plant's bioactive compounds.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Rhododendron luteum has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include epigallocatechin.

Total chemicals
1
Scientific sources
1

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
epigallocatechin 1 ★☆☆☆☆