Rhododendron mimetes Tagg & Forrest.

Shrub, 1–2.2 m. Leaves 8.5–11 × 3–4.5 cm, lanceolate to oblanceolate, apex acute to apiculate, lower surface covered with a two-layered indumentum, the upper layer fulvous, lanate-tomentose and often detersile by maturity, or cinnamon, persistent, composed of ramiform hairs, the lower whitish, compacted and persistent; petioles glabrescent by maturity. Flowers 6–10 in a lax to dense truss; calyx 3–10 mm, lobes broad, rounded, or narrow and reflexed, irregular; corolla white to rose, with crimson flecks, funnel-campanulate, nectar pouches lacking, 35–45 mm; ovary densely rufous-tomentose and stalked-glandular, style glabrous. Flowering May. Royal Horticultural Society (1997)

Distribution  China SW Sichuan

Habitat 3,350–4,450 m

RHS Hardiness Rating H6

Conservation status Vulnerable (VU)