Abstract:The origin, distribution, adaption, community structure and succession characteristics of Rhododendron were reviewed, and the further research and rational utilization prospected. The origin center of Rhododendron was southwest China and the regions from the Himalayas to northern Myanmar, and Guizhou Baili Rhododendron Forest is the widest wild Rhododendron resource bank all over the world. The adaption of Rhododendrons was closely related with homophily, elevation similarity, evolution degree, and key functional traits. The comparison method based on evolution-morphological functional characteristics provides reference for breeding Rhodo- dendrons with good adaption. Rhododendron shrub community has its own particularity, showing complex multi-level vertical structure, mosaic horizontal structure and obvious age structure. In term of succession characteristics, the view was still to be proved that Rhododendron shrub community had succession to the top level according to the large niche width of dominant species in the community and the small niche similarity ratio between populations.
