Description

Shrub, l-3(-6)m. Leaves elliptic, 4.5-12 x 2-7cm, 1.7-3 X as long as broad, apex acuminate, base rounded or cuneate, lower surface with a dense unistrate lanate ramiform tomentum, salmon-pink when young, becoming rich rusty red; petioles l-2cm, densely tomentose. Inflorescence 10-20-flowered; rhachis 2-3mm; pedicels 10-20mm, densely pilose and glandular. Calyx 5-10mm, lobes fleshy or membranous, densely pilose and glandular. Corolla white flushed pink to pink, sometimes with purple flecks, 25-40mm. Ovary densely stipitate-glandular, sometimes also tomentose; style usually glandular, at least near the base. Capsule c.15 x 9mm.

Distribution

China (N Yunnan)

Altitude

Habitat

Open pine forests, Rhododendron thickets

Nomenclatural History

R. cruentum Leveille, Feddes Repert. 12: 284 (1913). Type: China, Yunnan, brousse du plateau de Ta-Hai-Tse, 3200m, v 1912, Maire (holo. E)

Notes

References

Chamberlain, D.F. (1982) A Revision of Rhododendron II. Subgenus Hymenanthes. Notes From the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 39(2):338