Rhododendron spinuliferum

Rhododendron spinuliferum is a species of "Rhododendron" native to Yunnan, southwestern Sichuan, and Guizhou China.
Taxonomy.
French botanist Adrien René Franchet described "Rhododendron spinuliferum" in 1895. Two subspecies are recognised. Within the genus "Rhododendron", it lies in the subgenus "Rhododendron" and section "Rhododendron". Analysis of its DNA shows it is most closely related to "R. triflorum", the two sister species have "R. keiskei" as the next closest relative. However, the section appears to be polyphyletic, with these species early offshoots of the section "Vireya".
Description.
"Rhododendron spinuliferum" grows as a shub ranging from high, occasionally reaching high. It has delicate oval or lanceolate (spear-shaped) leaves long by wide, with cuneate (wedge-shaped) bases and pointed tips. The red tube-shaped flowers appear from February to June. These tubular corollas and tapered ends are unusual for the genus.
Distribution and habitat.
The range is southwestern Sichuan, northeastern and western Yunnan at altitudes ranging from , in coniferous forests with "Keteleeria", or mixed conifer and deciduous forest with oak ("Quercus"), in shaded areas and thickets.
Cultivation and uses.
In cultivation, "Rhododendron spinuliferum" grows best in acidic soils of pH 4–6 with a shady aspect and significant organic material in the soil, although excess shade will result in few flowers and leggy habit. Readily propagated by seed or cuttings, it flowers in four to five years from seed.
Hybrids derived from this species include "R". 'Crossbill' ("spinuliferum" x "lutescens"). "R". 'Seta', A. M. ("spinuliferum" x "moupinense") and "R". 'Spinulosum' ("spinuliferum" x "racemosum").
"Rhododendron spinuliferum" has been used in Chinese traditional medicine to remove phlegm and treat asthma.