Diversity and distribution of Rhododendron species in Tangjiahe area of Giant Panda National Park

Through field investigation and data collection of Rhododendron species in Tangjiahe area of Sichuan Giant Panda National Park, it was found that there were 2 subgenera, 3 groups, and 10 subgroups within this region, including 16 species, 1 subspecies, and 1 variety, 18 taxa in total. Rhododendron species were mainly distributed at the altitude of 2, 000–3, 000 m, and the overall species diversity first increased and then decreased with the elevation. Rhododendron plants were widely distributed in the area, exhibiting high ecological and landscape application value. Some species could be served as parent materials for breeding new cultivars, such as Rhododendron hunnewellianum, R. calophytum, R. oreodoxa, R. maculiferum and R. augustinii. In addition to preserve Rhododendron plant resources in the area, it is recommended to strengthen the breeding and utilization of resources.