Rhododendron decandrum (Makino) Makino

Shrub or small tree; young shoots soon glabrous. Leaves in whorls of up to three, at the ends of the branches, 2–3(–6) × 2–4 cm, broadly rhombic, apex acuminate, lower surface with glands, especially on midrib and veins; petioles sparsely glandular, also with villose hairs. Pedicels villose, densely so at base, also glandular. Flowers solitary or up to 3 per inflorescence, appearing before the leaves; calyx minute; corolla magenta, with flecks, open-funnel-campanulate, 25–28 mm; stamens 10; ovary glandular, with a few villose hairs, style glabrous. Flowering April-May. Royal Horticultural Society (1997)

Distribution  Japan Honshu, Shikoku

Habitat c.800 m

RHS Hardiness Rating H6

Conservation status Least concern (LC)