Description

Shrub or tree, 2.7-6m. Leaves elliptic to oblanceolate, 16-22 x 5-7cm, 3.3—4 x as long as broad, upper surface rugulose and ± glabrous at maturity though often with traces of indumentum along the midrib, lower surface with a dense whitish to fawn lanate-dendroid tomentum, that overlies a compacted lower layer of indumentum; petioles 1.5-2cm, velutinous. Inflorescence 20-25-flowered, dense; rhachis c.20mm; pedicels c.lOmm, glabrous. Calyx fleshy, c.2mm, with minute teeth, glabrous. Corolla campanulate, deep pink to rosy purple, with darker nectar pouches, 35mm. Ovary with a dense tomentum. Capsule shortly cylindrical, c.20 x 7mm.

Distribution

China (S Xizang) and adjacent NE India (Delei Valley)

Altitude

Habitat

Ridges, etc.

Nomenclatural History

R. silvaticum Cowan, Notes R.B.G. Edinb. 19: 185 (1936). Type: SE Xizang, Pemako, 9-10000ft, 24 x 1924, Kingdon-Ward 6258 (holo. E).

Notes

References

Chamberlain, D.F. (1982) A Revision of Rhododendron II. Subgenus Hymenanthes. Notes From the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 39(2):332