Bull. Acad. Sci. Saint-Petersbourg 23: 350 (1877). Type: China, Prov. Kansu, Przewalsky (iso. E, K).
Verified by:
Shrub, l-2.7m. Leaves broadly elliptic, (4.5-)6-10 x 2-4.5cm, 1.8-3 x as long as broad, apex apiculate, base rounded, lower surface with a compacted, ± agglutinated, unistrate, whitish to pale brown indumentum of long-rayed hairs, or sometimes glabrescent; petioles c.lcm, glabrous, usually yellowish in herbarium specimens. Inflorescence 10- 15-flowered; rhachis 10-15mm; pedicels 15-20mm, glabrous. Calyx c.0.5mm, glabrous. Corolla campanulate, white to pale pink, with purple flecks, 25-35mm. Ovary and style glabrous. Capsule c.20 x 5mm.
China (Qinghai, Gansu, N & C Sichuan)
Mountain ridges, spruce forest
R. kialense Franchet, J. Bot.(Morot) 9: 392 (1895). Type: China, Sichuan, aux environs de Ta-tsien-lou, Soulie 763 (iso. E). R. dabanshanense Fang & Wang, Acta Bot. Sin. 20: 358 (1978). Type: China, Qinghai, Lo Tu (Daban Shan), 2600-3200m, Chao 7212 (holo. Qinghai Biological Research Inst., n.v.)
Chamberlain, D.F. (1982) A Revision of Rhododendron II. Subgenus Hymenanthes. Notes From the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 39(2):360