Rhododendron rubropilosum var. taiwanalpinum (Ohwi) S. S. Ying

This species was originally described as being allied to Rhododendron oldhamii, but it lacks the glandular indumentum of that species. Although R. taiwanalpinum is apparently a distinct species, the present authors’ knowledge of it comes from a single inadequate specimen and the type was not seen.

Shrubs, 1–1.5 m; young shoots brown-strigose. Leaves monomorphic. Petiole 2–3 mm, appressed-strigose; leaf blade leathery, ovate-oblong to oblong-lanceolate, 1.5–2(–3) × 0.7–1.2(–1.8) cm; base cuneate; apex acute, mucronate; abaxial surface densely strigose; adaxial surface sparsely strigose. Inflorescence (1–)2–3-flowered. Pedicel 5–7 mm, densely reddish-brown hairy; calyx lobes 1–2 mm, densely hairy, apex rounded; corolla broadly funnel-campanulate, pink, with rose flecks, 1–1.5(–2) cm, tube 4–6 mm, glabrous; stamens 9–10, unequal, filaments hairy in lower half; ovary grayish-pubescent; style pubescent in lower half. Capsule not known.

Taiwan.

Alpine meadows, mountain peaks; 2800–3000 m.