Rhododendron chamaethomsonii (Tagg & Forrest) Cowan & Davidian

Dwarf shrub, 0.1–1 m. Leaves 2–6 × 1.5–3.2 cm, broadly obovate to broadly elliptic, lower surface glabrous (in cultivation); petioles tomentose and/or stalked-glandular. Flowers (1–)2–5, in a lax truss; calyx 1–7(–15) mm; corolla fleshy, pink to deep crimson, campanulate, with nectar pouches, 25–45 mm; ovary very sparsely to densely rufous-tomentose, sometimes also with at least some glands, abruptly contracted into the glabrous style. Flowering March-May. Royal Horticultural Society (1997)

Distribution  China S Tibet, NW Yunnan

Habitat 4,000–4,600 m

RHS Hardiness Rating H5

Conservation status Vulnerable (VU)