Rhododendron (a plant)?

Question

Hi! I have a project at school and I need to know how rhododendrons adapted to living in a mountain habitat and the affect of humans apun it's way of life. I need answers and I need them fast! IT DO APRIL 23, 2008!!!!!

Answer 1

This is a plant that grows well in cool moist area that receives regular or well balance supply of moisture (mesic habitats). It is evergreen with large oval waxy leaves. Retention of the evergreen foliage allows for photosynthesis and continuous growth throughout the year as weather allows. This gives the rhododendron a competitive advantage over dormant deciduous trees and shrubs in the winter. Since it retains the leaves but does not have fine needle shaped leaves it should be vulnerable to heavy snow loads however it curls its leaves. This helps shed snow, protect leaves from freeze/thaw cycles damaging them, and retain water. Rhododendron leaves may change dramatically over the course of the day as temperatures change. They will fold down to the stem and curl in very dry summer spells also.

Many species of rhododendron have indumentum on the underside of the leaves. It is a soft wooly nap made up of fine hairs. Surface coverings like this act to preserve water in a plant

Rhododendrons apparently go back only some 60 million years so are relatively recent in evolution.  This shows in their not being found world wide they are restricted to North America, Europe, and Asia.

Azaleas are a form of rhododendron.

http://www.mdrhododendron.org/faq.html

All of these plants are in the family that form ericoid mycorrhizal symbiotic relations. Rhododendrons have only shallow roots that form a symbiosis with an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus to extend the plants reach. The fungus supplies nutrients in return for carbohydrates made photosynthetically by the plant.

Answer 2

I see you haven't been bitten by the horticulture bug!!

Yes it's a plant, a perennial. It likes some dappled shade and sun - not full sun -- those adapted to mountain habitat are probably much less 'bothered' by humans than those growing around town. If you had done a 'search' online instead of asking here you would've had your answers already. You have until Weds, so get busy sweety...  

;) good luck!!

Answer 3

Rhodos love acidic soils, and shady areas, so they are perfect for forest floors, where all those leaves are decomposing, and pine needles acidify the soil.  Plus, it is cool and shady. Humans come in and cut down the trees and that changes the environment, making it less ideal for rhodos.  But, have no fear...we have domesticated this plant and many people grow them in their backyards.