Description

Shrub or small tree, l-4.5m; young shoots glandular at first, soon giabrescent. Leaves obovate to elliptic, 3.7-5.5 x 1.6-2.2cm, c.2.5 x as long as broad, apex rounded, apiculate, base rounded, upper and lower surfaces glabrous, lower epidermis epapillate though with minute mammillae, usually with a few glands; petioles 0.5—0.8cm, glabrous. Inflorescence c.6-flowered; rhachis 2-5mm; pedicels 5-10mm, glabrous. Calyx 5-10mm, irregular, reddish, glabrous. Corolla campanulate, probably with nectar pouches, deep crimson, sometimes with darker flecks and/or basal blotches, 30-35mm. Ovary and style glabrous. Capsule not known.

Distribution

China (S Xizang)

Altitude

Habitat

Rhododendron and bamboo thickets

Nomenclatural History

Notes

References

Chamberlain, D.F. (1982) A Revision of Rhododendron II. Subgenus Hymenanthes. Notes From the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 39(2):419