Description

Shrub, 1.5-2.5m; young shoots densely stipitate-glandular. Leaves elliptic to oblanceolate, 7.5-14 x 1.8-3.8cm, 2.7-3.7 x as long as broad, apex cuspidate, base ± cuneate, margins sometimes ciliate, upper surface ± glabrous when mature, lower surface with varying amounts of crisped setae with glandular or branched tips that usually persist, at least near the base, grading into stouter bristles on the midrib; petioles l-2cm, glandular-setose. Inflorescence 8- 12-flowered; rhachis less than 5mm; pedicels 10-20mm, usually covered with long weak glandular hairs. Calyx c.lmm. Corolla tubular-campanulate, with depressed nectar pouches, deep red, 40-60mm. Ovary with a dense covering of long weak glandular hairs; style glabrous. Capsule 15-20 x 4-7mm, usually narrowly cylindrical.

Distribution

China (Sichuan & adjacent parts of NE Yunnan)

Altitude

Habitat

Thickets and 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):270