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Where do Clethra species grow?
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Ericales
Flowering rhododendron.
Species of the genus Clethra are widely distributed across several regions of the world. Their natural range includes:
- Asia: They are found throughout East Asia and extend into Malesia.12
- North America: They occur in the southeastern United States, specifically within the Coastal Plain and mountainous or hilly regions.132
- Central and South America: Their range extends from Mexico southward along the Andes.12
- Atlantic Islands: A single species, the lily of the valley tree (C. arborea), is native to the island of Madeira.12
These woody plants, which include both deciduous and evergreen varieties, are often cultivated as ornamentals for their fragrant, spiked flowers.132