Rhododendron vesiculiferum Tagg

Large shrub or small tree; young shoots densely glandular-setose. Leaves 12–14.5 × 3.5–5 cm, obovate to oblanceoate; upper surface rugulose, with deeply impressed veins, lower surface with veins and midrib covered with glandular setae and with white vesiculate hairs. Flowers 10–15 in a truss; calyx 8–10 mm; corolla white to rose-purple, with flecks and a small basal blotch, funnel-campanulate, nectar pouches lacking, 25–35 mm; ovary densely covered with rufous stalked glands, with an understorey of white vesiculate hairs. Flowering April-May. Royal Horticultural Society (1997).

Distribution  Myanmar NE China W Yunnan, SE Tibet

Habitat 2,500–3,350 m

RHS Hardiness Rating H5

Conservation status Vulnerable (VU)