Description

Shrub or small tree, 1.5—6.5m, usually with a well-defined trunk; young shoots densely rufous-tomentose. Leaves broadly oblanceolate to obovate, 10-13 x 4.5-6.3cm, 1.8-2.3 x as long as broad, apex rounded, apiculate, base ± rounded, upper surface glabrous when mature except for the tomentose midrib, rugulose; lower surface covered with a dense rufous dendroid lanate tomentum; petioles 2-2.5cm, densely tomentose. Inflorescence 7-14-flowered; rhachis c.lOmm; pedicels 10-15mm, densely tomentose. Calyx 2—3mm, tomentose. Corolla fleshy, tubular-campanulate, crimson, 40-45mm. Ovary densely rufous-tomentose. Capsule c. 12 x 8mm, persistently tomentose.

Distribution

NE Upper Burma, China (W Yunnan)

Altitude

Habitat

Cliffs, rocky slopes, thickets

Nomenclatural History

R. aemulorum Balfour f., Notes R.B.G. Edinb. 12: 86 (1920). Type: China, W Yunnan,

eastern flank of the N’Maikha/Salween divide, 26°N, 11000ft, iv 1919, Forrest 17853 (holo. E)

Notes

References

Chamberlain, D.F. (1982) A Revision of Rhododendron II. Subgenus Hymenanthes. Notes From the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 39(2):386