Ann. Mus. Bot. Lugduno-Batavum. 1:34(1863). Type: Japan, Siebold, n.v.
Verified by:
Shrub or small tree; shoots glabrous. Leaves rhombic, 3-5 x 1.5-3.5cm, apex acuminate, both surfaces covered with adpressed pilose hairs when young, at maturity upper surface glabrous, lower surface with sparse pilose hairs; petioles 3~5mm, papillate. Inflorescence 1-3-flowered, flowers appearing before leaves; pedicels 5-8mm, covered with adpressed brown hairs and glands. Calyx minute, glandular, lobes ciliate. Corolla open funnel-shaped, 20-30mm, rose-purple, lobes 15-25mm, oblong. Stamens 5, filaments glabrous. Ovary glandular; style glabrous.
Japan (S Honshu)
Chamberlain, D.F. & Rae, S.J. (1990) A Revision of Rhododendron IV Subgenus Tsutsusi. Edinburgh Journal of Botany 47(2):146