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Peter Norris, enabling the use of The Rhododendron Handbook 1998
New article for Trees and Shrubs Online.
Recommended citation
'Rhododendron catacosmum' from the website Trees and Shrubs Online (treesandshrubsonline.
Shrub, 1.3–3 m. Leaves 8–10 × 4.2–5.5 cm, obovate, lower surface covered with a two-layered indumentum, the upper layer loosely fulvous-tomentose, composed of dendroid hairs, the lower whitish and compacted; petioles tomentose. Flowers 6–9, in a tight truss; calyx 16–20 mm, cupular; corolla fleshy, crimson, tubular-campanulate, with nectar pouches, c.45 mm; ovary densely tomentose, abruptly contracted into the glabrous style. Flowering April-May. Royal Horticultural Society (1997)
Distribution China NW Yunnan, SE Tibet
Habitat 3,650–4,400 m
RHS Hardiness Rating H6
Conservation status Vulnerable (VU)
This species is closely allied to R. haematodes; it may however be distinguished by its larger leaves and calyces. Royal Horticultural Society (1997)