The Social Backgrounds of the Commercial Transactions and the Productions of Rhododendron Dilatatum and Rhododendron kiyosumense in the Boso Peninsula, Chiba Pref.

Abstract

The actual conditions of commercial sales and productions of 2 species of wild Rhododendrons growing on the Boso Peninsula were studied through fieldworks and interviews to gardeners. The results showed these 2 species were treated as the same plant in the marketplace, due to difficulties in visual differentiation. Sales of these plants were at their height during 1982-1985 when they were heavily hunted from their native habitat. The production of seedlings was started in the 1970' s with the great demand for them as garden trees.