QBARS - v30n2 R. metternichii var. micranthum

R. metternichii var. micranthum
Hideo Suzuki, Kumagaya, Japan

"Yamato Shakunage" or Yamato rhododendron is a favorite, especially among bonsai hobbyists, in Japan. Its formal name is R. metternichii var. micranthum Nakai or R. mettemichii var. hondoense f. micrantha Takeda. Since its habitat is limited to the Yamato Area, Kinki District, it has long been called, and favored by plant hobbyists in general as "Yamato Shakunage".

It is very compact in habit and blooms with flowers of a fascinating pink.  The flowers are smaller than those of the type form.  The plant is especially valued in Japan.