Pukeiti

Common name: Yakushima rhododendron

Family: Ericaceae (Heath)

Distribution: Japan (Mount Yakushima)

Comments: A selected form of degronianum ssubsp yakushimanum which is exceptional.
Habit: Forms a compact, squat shrub of 1-1.5 m.
Foliage: Dark green convex leaves with a dense tawny indumentum covering teh underside. A thin covering of whitish indumentum covers the top side and stems of teh new growth briefly.
Flowers: Buds open to pink fading out very quickly to a clear white.