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A review and case study of Rhododendron moulmainense highlights the feasibility and adaptation of evergreen Rhododendron plants to current environmental challenges

Summary

This study examines Rhododendron moulmainense, a beautiful alpine flowering plant being adapted for urban gardens. Researchers discovered that special soil fungi living in the plant’s roots help it survive stress like drought and heat. The study details multiple ways to grow new plants through cuttings, tissue culture, and seeds, with success rates over 90%. Understanding this plant’s adaptation mechanisms provides strategies for introducing more alpine rhododendrons to lower-altitude cities while improving their resilience to climate challenges.

Background

Alpine rhododendrons possess high ecological and ornamental value but face challenges in adapting to low-altitude urban environments, often experiencing leaf burning and weak growth. Rhododendron moulmainense, an alpine evergreen azalea from the southernmost latitude distribution, serves as a model species for studying adaptation mechanisms. Current literature lacks clear information on propagation techniques and low-altitude acclimatization strategies for alpine rhododendrons.

Objective

This review synthesizes recent research advances on R. moulmainense across evolutionary status, mycorrhizal symbiosis, flower bud differentiation, environmental adaptation, and reproduction techniques. The goal is to provide scientific basis for domestication of alpine rhododendrons at low altitudes and promote their use in urban gardens and ecological stabilization.

Results

Forty mycorrhizal fungal species from Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Zygomycota were identified as symbiotic with R. moulmainense roots. Key fungi like Phialocephala fortinii enhanced drought resistance and nutrient absorption. Multiple propagation methods achieved success rates over 90% for tissue culture. Heat stress resistance and photosynthetic efficiency under semi-shaded conditions were documented with molecular-level adaptations identified through transcriptomic analysis.

Conclusion

R. moulmainense demonstrates feasibility for domestication and low-altitude adaptation through mycorrhizal symbiosis, optimized propagation techniques, and stress response mechanisms. Integrated multi-omics approaches and molecular breeding can further enhance thermal resilience and environmental adaptability. The species offers significant potential for urban landscaping, ecological restoration, and conservation applications.
  • Published in:Frontiers in Plant Science,
  • Study Type:Review and Case Study,
  • Source: 10.3389/fpls.2025.1468526
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