Pukeiti

Family: Ericaceae (Heath)

Distribution: Japan

IUCN Red list: Least concern

Life form: Shrub - deciduous

Comments: A monotypic plant in Section Viscidula all on its own.
Habit: A fairly compact, deciduous shrub.
Foliage: Obovate to oblong-obovate leaves, 5-18cm long by 4-8cm wide. The upper surface is bright green with a bristly margin. The underside is dull green with scattered glandular hair. In autumn the aging leaves turn an attractive red.
Flowers: 6-15 small, tubular-campanulate creamy white flowers appear pendant-like after teh new spring growth have formed. The flowers are all but concealed by the foliage.