Rhododendron mariesii Hemsl. & E.H.Wilson

Shrub or small tree, 1–3 m; young shoots covered at first with adpressed yellowish hairs, later glabrescent. Leaves in whorls of up to three, at the ends of the branches, 3–7.5 × 2–4.5 cm, ovate-lanceolate, apex acute, lower surface glabrescent; petioles glabrous. Pedicels villose. Flowers 1–2 per inflorescence, appearing before the leaves; calyx minute; corolla rose-purple, upper lobe with flecks, funnelform, 25–30 mm; stamens 10; ovary yellowish grey-villose, style glabrous. Flowering April-May. Royal Horticultural Society (1997)

Distribution  China C, S & E Taiwan

Habitat 200–1,300 m

RHS Hardiness Rating H3

Conservation status Least concern (LC)