Chapman's rhododendron (Rhododendron minus var. chapmanii)

Heath Family (Ericaceae)
Chapman's rhododendron is an evergreen shrub, reaching 10 feet tall. The leaves are elliptic and leathery, with rusty scales underneath. Radiating out in clusters at the stem tips, the 5-lobed tubular flowers are pink, with the upper petal spotted. Flowers in March to April. Flowers profusely post fire. Butterflies and hummingbirds frequently visit the flowers. Will root-sucker. It mostly occurs between flatwoods and titi swamp communities in dry to mesic to wet soils. Only found in Clay county and the central panhandle of Florida. Is known as Rhododendron chapmanii by some authorities. Listed as endangered federally and by the state of Florida.

Copyright Brett Miley