The "Kome-tsutsuji" (Rhododendron tschonoskii) belongs to Ericaceae (the Azalea family). It is a small deciduous or semi-evergreen tree that is native to all over Japan, as well as the Kuril Islands and the Korean Peninsula. This tree grows in montane to sub-alpine screes or wind beaten grasslands, and it can reach 30-200 cm in height. The leaves are elliptic to obovate, arranged alternately and covered with pale brown hairs. The small white flowers bloom at the terminal branches from June to August. The flower has five stamens that are exserted from the corolla.