Rhododendron kiyosumense (Makino) Makino

Shrub or small tree; young shoots glabrous. Leaves in whorls of up to three, at the ends of the branches, 3–5 × 2.5–3 cm, rhombic, apex acuminate, lower surface sparsely covered with brown simple hairs, at least when young, midrib glabrous or shortly pilose; petioles glabrous or with scattered brown hairs near base of lamina. Flowers 1–2 per inflorescence, appearing before the leaves; calyx minute; corolla purple, open-campanulate, 20–30 mm; stamens 10; ovary densely and stiffly hairy, style glabrous. Royal Horticultural Society (1997)

Distribution  Japan E Honshu

Habitat c. 650 m

RHS Hardiness Rating H6

Conservation status Vulnerable (VU)