New Taxa ofRhododendron(Ericaceae) from China

Abstract

Two new species, Rhododendron pudiense Xiang Chen & Jiayong Huang and R. jiulongshanense Xiang Chen & Jiayong Huang, and one new variety, R. delavayi var. adenostylum Xiang Chen & X. Chen (Ericaceae), from Guizhou Province, China are described and illustrated. Rhododendron pudiense is close to R. paradoxum and R. denudatum, from which it differs by having oblanceolate or elliptic leaves with a two-layered indumentum, a more floriferous inflorescence, a glandular and tomentose pedicel and calyx, a pinkish white corolla, fewer stamens, and a densely white shiny pubescent ovary. Rhododendron jiulongshanense differs from the most morphologically similar species R. glanduliferum and R. magniflorum by having usually glabrous branchlets, oblong-elliptic or long obovate leaves, a more floriferous inflorescence, a much smaller calyx, and a mid-sized narrowly tubular-campanulate corolla. Rhododendron delavayi var. adenostylum differs from R. delavayi var. delavayi by having a glandular style.