Rhododendron pachypodum Balf.f. & W.W.Sm.

Shrub or small tree, 0.6–7.5 m; young shoots lacking bristles. Leaves 5–10 × 2–4 cm, obovate, apex abruptly acute, margin not ciliate, upper surface with midrib impressed, lower surface with the brown unequal scales touching or to a half their own diameter apart. Flowers 1–5, in a loose terminal inflorescence, not scented; calyx lobes 1–3 mm, usually setose; corolla white with a yellowish basal blotch, sometimes tinged pink, funnel-shaped, 45–65 mm, outer surface scaly throughout, pubescent at base; stamens 10; ovary scaly, tapering into the glabrous style. Flowering March-April. Royal Horticultural Society (1997)

Distribution  Myanmar N China Yunnan

Habitat 1,800–4,000 m

RHS Hardiness Rating H3

Awards FCC 1936 (L. de Rothschild, Exbury); flowers white, with a pale yellow streak.

Conservation status Least concern (LC)

Taxonomic note (incl. R. scottianum Hutch. & R. supranubium Hutch.) Royal Horticultural Society (1997)