Notes R.B.G. Edinb. 13: 297 (1922)
Verified by:
Shrub, l-2m; indumentum of young shoots densely whitish stellate-tomentose intermixed with long stipitate glands (rarely eglandular). Leaves elliptic, 5-9.5 x 1-2.6cm, 2.5-4(-8) x as long as broad, apex acute to rounded, base rounded, upper surface glabrous, lower surface with a dense but loose continuous whitish to cinnamon ramiform indumentum with glandular setae on the midrib, lower epidermis glaucous-papillate; petioles 1-1.5cm, densely tomentose, with some setulose glands. Inflorescence 4-5-flowered; rhachis 2-3mm; pedicels 15-20mm, setulose-glandular, also with a few stellate hairs. Calyx 2-3mm, with broad, coloured, rounded, glandular-ciliate lobes. Corolla fleshy, tubular-campanulate, crimson, 35-40mm. Ovary densely rufous-tomentose and stipitate-glandular, tapering into the glabrous style. Capsule c.15 x 6mm, curved. ** * Rhododendron sperabile * var. * sperabile * ** Leaf indumentum cinnamon when mature; leaves 2.5-3.5 X as long as broad. ** * Rhododendron sperabile * var. * weihsiense * ** Leaf indumentum whitish when mature; leaves 3-4(-8) x as long as broad.
China (NW Yunnan) and adjacent NE Upper Burma
Amongst scrub and on cliffs
Chamberlain, D.F. (1982) A Revision of Rhododendron II. Subgenus Hymenanthes. Notes From the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 39(2):411