Description

Shrub or tree, 1.5-12m. Leaves coriaceous, oblanceolate to elliptic, 8.5-14 x 3-4.5cm, 2.8-3.5 x as long as broad, apex acute to acuminate, base cuneate, margin not strongly undulate, upper surface glabrous when mature, lower surface glabrous or with vestiges of a brown indumentum, with red punctate hair-bases overlying the veins; petioles 1-1.5cm, floccose. Inflorescence dense, 15-20-flowered; rhachis c.5mm; pedicels c. 5mm, glabrous or (rarely) stipitate-glandular. Calyx c.2mm, glabrous, lobes broad, rounded. Corolla tubular-campanulate, scarlet to deep crimson, with prominent nectar pouches, flecks lacking, 35-40mm. Ovary glabrous or with a few rufous hairs (? rarely densely tomentose and glandular); style glabrous. Capsule not known.

Distribution

China (SE Xizang), ?Bhutan

Altitude

Habitat

Mixed forests

Nomenclatural History

Notes

References

Chamberlain, D.F. (1982) A Revision of Rhododendron II. Subgenus Hymenanthes. Notes From the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 39(2):302