Rhododendron (from the Greek ροδον – rhodon - "rose", and δενδρον - dendron - "tree") is a genus of flowering plants in the family Ericaceae. This family consists of more than 1000 species. Among others, heather and - more obvious - azaleas. The rhododendron originates from the Himalaya and mountain areas in China. In Nepal and Sikkim it’s the national flower, as well as in the states of West Virginia and Washington in the United States.