Rhododendron ponticum

Kumar

Large shrub, to 10 m. Stem with variable indumentiim whim young,but not tomentose; terminal bud c. 2 cm. Petiole 1-1,5 cm; lamina elliptic to obovate, 10-17 x 3,5-4,5 cm, coriaceous, initially tomentose below but soon glabrescent, glandular hairs persistent, fine venation usually flat above. Inflorescence 5-20-flowered, peduncle 1,3-7 cm; pedicels 2-2,5 cm, usually glabrous,sometimes with glandular hairs or pubescent; bracts and bracteoles 2,5-3,5 cm. Calyx lobes 0,6-1 mm. Corolla purplish-pink, campanulate, 1,5-2,5 cm across, usually glabrous outside, p4bescent towards base inside, tube 1,5-2,5 cm, lobes 1,5-2,5 cm, acute or rounded, upper with yellow spots. Stamens 10. Ovary glabrous; style 3-4 cm, glabrous. Capsule 1,6-2,8 cm; seeds c. 2 mm. Fl. 5-6. Usually in Fagus orientalis forest, rarely in other types of forest or above tree line, 150-1800 m.