noun
Refers to the flowering shrub of the genus Rhododendron, commonly found in gardens and mountainous areas in Japan. The katakana spelling シャクナゲ is standard.
See also: ロードデンドロン
庭にシャクナゲが咲いている。
Rhododendrons are blooming in the garden.
シャクナゲは高山植物としても知ら
Rhododendrons are also known as alpine plants.
Rarely used kanji form.
ロードデンドロン is the scientific genus name Rhododendron, sometimes used in horticultural contexts, while シャクナゲ is the common Japanese name.
The Japanese name シャクナゲ is believed to derive from the plant's historical use as a medicinal herb, possibly from 癪 (shaku, 'spasms') + 投げ (nage, 'throw away'), referring to its use in treating ailments. The exact derivation is uncertain.