Description

Tree, 6-30m. Leaves (12-)20-37 x (4-)8.8-16cm, 2.2-3 x as long as broad, apex rounded, retuse or minutely apiculate, base ± rounded, upper surface glabrous, lower surface glabrous in juvenile state though sometimes developing a buff, continuous, adpressed tomentum, at least along a marginal band as the plant matures; petioles 2—3cm, terete, glabrous. Inflorescence up to c. 25-flowered; rhachis 20-30mm, stout; pedicels .20-25mm, densely reddish brown tomentose. Calyx c. 2mm, tomentose, lobes broadly triangular. Corolla 8-lobed, funnel-campanulate, rose, sometimes whitish at base, with a dark basal blotch and nectar pouches, sometimes also with a few flecks, 50-75mm. Stamens 16. Ovary densely rufous-tomentose. Capsule 40-50 x c. 15mm. ** * Rhododendron protistum * var. * giganteum * ** Mature plants with a continuous indumentum on leaf underside ** * Rhododendron protistum * var. * protistum * ** Indumentum of lower leaf surface of mature plants sparse and discontinuous or denser along a marginal band with the centre sparse

Distribution

China (W Yunnan), NE Upper Burma.

Altitude

Habitat

Mixed woodlands

Nomenclatural History

Notes

References

Chamberlain, D.F. (1982) A Revision of Rhododendron II. Subgenus Hymenanthes. Notes From the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 39(2):248