Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Ericaceae
Genus: Rhododendron
Subgenus: Pentanthera ( deciduous) and Tsutsuji (evergreen).
Azaleas are flowering shrubs making up part of the genus Rhododendron. One major difference between azaleas and the rest of the rhododendron genus is their size. Another is their flower growth; rhododendrons grow their flowers in stripers, [clarification needed] while most azaleas have terminal blooms (one flower per flower stem). However, they have so many stems that during the flowering season they are a solid mass of colour. Azaleas are recognised by these flowers blooming all at once, in a showy display for a month or two in spring. The exception to this rule is a small group of azaleas which grow their flowers in tight terminal clusters.
A traditional alcoholic beverage made from azalea blossoms, called Tugyonju (literally "azalea wine"), is produced in Korea. Azalea plants are very toxic to sheep and goats, but cause no problems in cats or dogs.
Azaleas at Adams Point. Lat 39 3' 43.824"S Long 174 5' 36.277" E Datum WGS 84
