noun
Rhododendron diversipilosum; a species of Labrador tea
A low evergreen shrub native to Japan, found in rocky coastal and alpine areas. The name イソツツジ literally means 'shore azalea', though it is not a true azalea. This is a botanical term; in everyday contexts, it may simply be referred to as a type of ツツジ.
北海道の海岸では、イソツツジの白い花が夏に見られます。
On the coast of Hokkaido, you can see the white flowers of Rhododendron diversipilosum in summer.
イソツツジは高山
Rhododendron diversipilosum is also known as an alpine plant.
ツツジ is the general term for azaleas, while イソツツジ refers specifically to Rhododendron diversipilosum, a distinct species with white flowers and a preference for rocky habitats.
The name イソツツジ combines 磯 (iso, 'rocky shore') and 躑躅 (tsutsuji, 'azalea'), describing its typical coastal habitat and resemblance to azaleas. The exact derivation is straightforward from its components.