Description

Small shrub, 0.6-1.8m; young shoots densely tomentose to setose. Leaves obovate to oblong, 4.5-8.5(-10) X 1.8-4.5(-5.5)cm, (1.5-)1.8-2.6 X as long as broad, apex rounded, apiculate, base rounded to ± cuneate, upper surface glabrous when mature or with a few scattered hairs, lower surface with a ± densely matted bistrate tomentum, the upper layer fawn to red-brown, dendroid, the lower whitish, compacted; petioles 0.5-lcm, densely tomentose or setose and tomentose. Inflorescence 4—6(—8)~flowered; rhachis c.5mm; pedicels 10-23mm, tomentose to setose. Calyx minute to ± cupular, if well developed then usually irregular, lobes 3- 15mm, rounded, ± glabrous. Corolla fleshy, tubular-campanulate, scarlet to deep crimson, 35-45(-50)mm. Ovary densely rufous-tomentose. Capsule 10-15 x 5-7mm. ** * Rhododendron haematodes * var. * chaetomallum * ** Petioles and young shoots predominantly setose, setae ± stout ** * Rhododendron haematodes * var. * haematodes * ** Petioles and young shoots predominantly tomentose, setae few and slender or lacking.

Distribution

Altitude

Habitat

Alpine thickets, open rocky slopes

Nomenclatural History

Notes

References

Chamberlain, D.F. (1982) A Revision of Rhododendron II. Subgenus Hymenanthes. Notes From the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 39(2):390