Rhododendron 'Nacoochee Princess', which is a Beasley introduction documented as Rhododendron atlanticum X Rhodododendron periclymenoides, has been determined to be a tetraploid using flow cytometry by
Dr. João Loureiro, Dr. Silvia Castro, José Cerca, and Mariana Castro
Plant Ecology and Evolution Group,
Centre for Functional Ecology,
Department of Life Sciences,
Faculty of Science and Technology,
University of Coimbra, Portugal.
Reportedly, Rhododendron 'Nacoochee Princess' was found in the North Georgia Mountains by the late George Beasley of Transplant Nursery.
Rhododendron atlanticum was determined to be a tetraploid. Rhododendron periclymenoides was determined to be a diploid. The ploidy evidence does not support Rhododendron periclymenoides being involved in the background of 'Nacoochee Princess'.
Summary of Ploidy Levels
Diploid Rhododendron periclymenoides,
Tetraploid Rhododendron atlanticum,
Tetraploid 'Canobie Coocheecoo',
Tetraploid 'Marydel',
Tetraploid 'Nacoochee Princess'
Source: George Hibben
John and Sally Perkins
