A wild population of Rhododendron huadingense, a species of rhododendron, was recently discovered by experts from Songyang's forest resource protection and management station in Sidu township, Songyang county, Lishui, Zhejiang province.

This is the first known occurrence of this rare species within the city, according to an expert from the Lishui municipal forestry bureau.

The Huading rhododendron is an endangered wild plant species endemic to Zhejiang. It was first documented by botanists in 1990 in the Huading Mountain area of Tiantai county, Taizhou.

Preferring moist, cool climates, these plants typically inhabit foggy, nutrient-rich mountain environments. Due to their scarcity, they are classified as a second-class nationally protected plant and are listed as critically endangered in China's Red List of Biodiversity.

Wild Huading rhododendrons in full bloom. [Photo/Tide News]

The newly discovered population is located at elevations between 800 and 1,000 meters and consists of over a dozen plants. Some larger plants are currently blooming, showing clusters of light purple or purplish-red flowers. Typically flowering from late March to early May, the plant's capsule fruit releases tiny seeds upon maturity.

"Huading rhododendron is unique for blooming before leafing, with 4-5 leaves clustered at branch tips, and its branches are distinctively speckled and cracked," said Wu Weijian from the Songyang's forest resource protection and management station.