Description

Shrub or tree, 2-10m; young shoots rufous stellate-tomentose. Leaves oblanceolate to elliptic, 10-18.5 x 3-7.2cm, 2.3-3.2 x as long as broad, apex rounded, apiculate, base cuneate, both surfaces glabrous when mature or with vestiges of indumentum, especially on the midrib towards the base; petioles slender to stout, 2—3cm, stellate-tomentose at first, soon glabrescent. Inflorescence c.lO-flowered; rhachis 10-15mm; pedicels 10-15mm, stellate-tomentose, sometimes also stipitate-glandular. Calyx 3-5mm, stellate-tomentose, lobes broad, rounded. Corolla tubular-campanulate, sparingly floccose-tomentose or glabrous on outer surface, deep rose to scarlet, 0-50mm. Ovary densely rufous stellate-tomentose; style with floccose stellate hairs and glands. Capsule 15-20 x 8 mm, slightly curved.

Distribution

NE Upper Burma, China (W Yunnan)

Altitude

Habitat

Forests

Nomenclatural History

R. eriogynum Balfour f. & W. W. Smith, Notes R.B.G. Edinb. 10: 101 (1917). Type: China, Mid W Yunnan, Ghi-shan, E of Tali Lake, 9000ft, viii 1914, Forrest 13508 (holo. E).

Notes

References

Chamberlain, D.F. (1982) A Revision of Rhododendron II. Subgenus Hymenanthes. Notes From the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 39(2):377