Rhododendron chapmanii  Rhododendron chapmanii, known commonly as Chapman’s rhododendron, is endemic to northern Florida. Development has dramatically altered the habitat of this endangered plant, which some believe to be the scarcest wild rhododendron in North America. Some scientists are concerned about low genetic variability in the three remaining naturally-occurring populations of Rhododendron chapmanii. Monitoring of these populations has revealed that little reproduction appears to be occurring from seed - most new plants sprout from the roots of existing plants. Propagation of seeds by conservationists may prove to be useful in the future management and genetically-based rehabilitation of populations of Chapman’s rhododendron. |
