Rhododendrons Sikkim Himalaya 17, 1.16 (1849).
Verified by:
Shrub, 0.3—4(-7.5)m; shoots densely rufous- or white-tomentose. Leaves usually coriaceous, elliptic to obovate, 6.5-11 x 2.5-4.2cm, 2-3(-3.5) x as long as broad, apex rounded, apiculate, base rounded, upper surface with lamina glabrous or with a floccose indumentum that in most specimens persists over the midrib, lower surface with a dense, usually thick ± crisped tomentum composed of dendroid hairs, whitish when young, maturing to a deep rufous-brown or mid coffee-brown; petioles c.lcm, densely tomentose. Inflorescence 5- 10-flowered; rhachis 3- 10mm; pedicels 10-20mm, densely white- to brown-tomentose. Calyx c.lmm, tomentose. Corolla campanulate, creamyyellow, with crimson flecks, 32-50mm. Ovary densely rufous-tomentose. Capsule 15-25 x 4-8mm, curved.
NE India (Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh), Bhutan, China (S Xizang)
Abies forests, scrub, cliffs, etc.
R. lanatum Hooker f. var. luciferum Cowan in Notes R.B.G. Edinb. 19:228 (1937). Type: China, S Xizang, Tsari, Bimbi La, 3 vi 1936, Ludlow & Sherriff 1162 (holo. BM). R. luciferum (Cowan) Cowan, Notes R.B.G. Edinb. 21: 145 (1953). R. flinckii Davidian, Quart. Bull. Amer. Rhododendron Soc. 25: 143 (1975). Type: Bhutan, Kopub, Pumthang, 10000ft, 18 vi 1915, Cooper 3990 (holo. E)
Chamberlain, D.F. (1982) A Revision of Rhododendron II. Subgenus Hymenanthes. Notes From the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 39(2):369