Notes R.B.G. Edinb. 11: 60 (1918).
WFO ID: wfo-0001048701
IPNI ID: urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:332376-1
Verified by:
Dwarf shrub, 0.05-0.5m; young shoots ± densely rufous floccose-tomentose; perulae apparently ± persistent. Leaves elliptic to narrowly elliptic, 2.5-4.7 x 0.7-1.7cm, 2.6-5 x as long as broad, apex rounded, apiculate, base ± rounded, upper surface ± glabrous when mature, lower surface purple or green, with the remnants of a floccose ramiform tomentum and often a few stipitate glands, especially on the midrib; petioles c.0.5cm, floccose-tomentose. Inflorescence 1 -3-flowered; rhachis minute; pedicels c. 10mm, sparsely tomentose. Calyx c. 1.5mm, fleshy, ± floccose. Corolla tubular-campanulate, rose-pink, 25-30mm. Ovary with a whitish to rufous tomentum intermixed with stipitate glands. Capsule not known.
China (SE Xizang, NW Yunnan)
Rocky meadows
R. porphyrophyllum Balfour f. & Forrest, Notes R.B.G. Edinb. 11: 108 (1919). Type: China, SE Xizang, Tsarong, on Ka-gwr-pw, 13000ft, vi 1918, Forrest 16695 (holo. E). R. serpens Balfour f. & Forrest, ibid. 11: 135 (1919). Type: China, SE Xizang, Tsarong, on the northern slopes of Ka-gwr-pw, 14000ft, vii 1918, Forrest 16698 (holo. E).
Chamberlain, D.F. (1982) A Revision of Rhododendron II. Subgenus Hymenanthes. Notes From the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 39(2):405