Description

Shrub, 2-3m. Leaves sub-coriaceous, elliptic, 12.5-20 X 4-7cm, 2.5-3 x as long as broad, apex apiculate, upper surface glabrous, with impressed veins, lower surface with a bistrate indumentum, the lower layer whitish, compacted and adpressed, the upper yellow to cinnamon, even when mature, lanate, ± detersile, hairs ramiform, sometimes lacking on the older leaves, veins prominent and ± glabrous; petioles 1— 2cm, tomentose. Inflorescence 8—10-flowered; rhachis up to 7mm; pedicels 10-15mm, densely tomentose. Calyx c.lmm, tomentose, lobes minute. Corolla campanulate, rose to wine-red, probably with interior markings, c.40mm. Ovary densely whitish-tomentose; style glabrous. Capsule not known.

Distribution

China (C & S Sichuan, NE Yunnan, NW Guizhou)

Altitude

Habitat

Mountains

Nomenclatural History

R. xanthoneuron Leveille, ibid. 13: 340 (1914). Type: China, Yunnan, Mont Ta-Pe-Lou, 3200m, v 1911, 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):321