Description

Dwarf shrub, 0.3—1.2m; young shoots tomentose, usually also with a few weak setae, rarely ± densely and strongly setose. Leaves elliptic, 3.5-9 x 1—3cm, 2.8—3.5 x as long as broad, apex rounded, apiculate, base rounded, upper surface glabrous, lower surfaces with a thin discontinuous, whitish to brown indumentum and a greenish epapillate epidermis; petioles 0.5-l(—1.5)cm, usually tomentose, sometimes also weakly setose. Inflorescence 2—6-flowered; rhachis c.5mm; pedicels 10-20mm, tomentose, sometimes also glandular. Calyx 2-7mm, cupular when well-developed, lobes rounded, very sparsely tomentose or glandular. Corolla not fleshy (perhaps so in var. mesopolium), tubular-campanulate to campanulate, pink to rose-carmine, 25—40mm. Ovary predominantly glandular to predominantly tomentose. Capsule 15-20 x c.5mm. ** * Rhododendron eudoxum * var. * brunneifolium * ** ** * Rhododendron eudoxum * var. * eudoxum * ** Young shoots and pedicels tomentose, usually also with a few weak glandular setae. Leaves 3.5-7(-8.5)cm, with a thin brownish discontinuous indumentum beneath. Inflorescence lax. Corolla 30(-37)mm, rose-pink to magenta, rarely white. Ovary predominantly stipitate-glandular. ** * Rhododendron eudoxum * var. * mesopolium * ** Young shoots and pedicels usually floccose-tomentose, eglandular, not strongly setose; leaves 3.5-7cm, with ± prominent veins and a thin whitish discontinuous indumentum beneath; corolla 30-35mm, rose-pink; ovary predominantly tomentose though sometimes also with a few glands.

Distribution

China (border of SE Xizang & NW Yunnan)

Altitude

Habitat

Cliffs, rocky slopes, thickets, etc.

Nomenclatural History

Notes

References

Chamberlain, D.F. (1982) A Revision of Rhododendron II. Subgenus Hymenanthes. Notes From the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 39(2):401