Rhododendron tashiroi Maxim.

Branched shrub, 2–6 m; young shoots covered with more or less flattened weak brown hairs. Leaves apparently of one kind, persistent, apparently in clusters of 2–3 at the tips of the branches, 4.5–7 × 1.5–2.5 cm, apex acute, both surfaces at first covered with adpressed grey-brown hairs, glabrescent though with some hairs remaining on midrib; petioles covered with adpressed brown hairs. Pedicels densely clothed with brown bristles. Flowers 2–5 per inflorescence; calyx c.1 mm; corolla pale rose-purple, with a few flecks, broadly funnel-campanulate, 25–40 mm; stamens (4–)5; ovary densely covered with adpressed flattened shining brown hairs, style glabrous. Flowering May. Royal Horticultural Society (1997)

Distribution  Japan S Taiwan ?S

Habitat s.l.-500 m

RHS Hardiness Rating H3

Conservation status Near threatened (NT)