Pukeiti

Family: Ericaceae (Heath)

Synonym: Rhododendron yakushimanum 'City of Dunedin'

Comments: Habit: Compact low growing shrub to about 1.5m.
Foliage: Glossy dark green lanceolate leaves, recurved margins, with a brown hair layer below.
Flowers: Bell-shaped, 10-12 per umbel, deep pink from red buds, fading to light purplish pink, darker outside. Light red speckles in throat.
History: Hybridised by Margaret Hughes, Tapanui, Gore and sold to Dunedin City to be used as part of the 150 year celebrations, 1997, and named by the Dunedin Botanic Garden in 1998.