noun
Rhododendron metternichii
A species of rhododendron native to Japan; the name is usually written in katakana.
ホンシャクナゲは高山に自生する常緑低木です。
Rhododendron metternichii is an evergreen shrub that grows wild in alpine regions.
シャクナゲ is the general term for rhododendron; ホンシャクナゲ refers specifically to Rhododendron metternichii.
The name is a compound of 本 (hon, 'true' or 'main') and シャクナゲ (shakunage, 'rhododendron'), distinguishing this species from other rhododendrons.