A new synonym of Rhododendronleishanicum (subg. Hymenanthes ) from China (Ericaceae).

Based on a critical examination of type specimens, images of living plants, and the literature has shown Rhododendronoligocarpum to be conspecific with R.leishanicum . Although slight variations in corolla colour exist amongst different populations of R.oligocarpum , it does not serve as a key distinguishing trait. Therefore, we reduced R.oligocarpum to a synonym of R.leishanicum , and recommend placing it in Subsection Maculifera.
Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.
(Sheng Chen, Lei Hao, Yi-Hui Deng, Cheng-Hua Yang, Jun-Mei Yuan, Jia-Xin Lou, Yun-Song He, Xiang Chen.)