Camellia (Camellia japonica, Sp. Pl.: 698 (1753))

Family: Theaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 698 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Camellia

Vegetable: False

Observations: China (Shandong, E. Zhejiang), Korea (Jeju-do), C. & S. Japan to Taiwan

Description

Camellia, scientifically known as Camellia japonica, is a flowering plant renowned for its striking beauty and extensive cultural significance. This member of the Theaceae family has captured the admiration of gardeners and botanists alike for centuries, particularly since it was officially documented in the mid-18th century.

Revered for its glossy, dark green leaves and abundant, showy blooms, Camellia japonica typically flowers in late winter to early spring. The blossoms range in color from pure white and pale pink to deep reds, often with single or double-petal formations that enhance their decorative appeal.

Native to the temperate regions of East Asia, Camellia japonica naturally thrives in locations such as Shandong and eastern Zhejiang in China, Jeju-do in Korea, central and southern Japan, and Taiwan. This geographical spread underscores its adaptability to a range of climates and conditions, from mild coastal areas to mountainous regions.

Cultivation of Camellia japonica requires well-drained, acidic soil, and a preference for partial shade, making it ideal for woodland gardens or as an ornamental plant in landscaped parks. The plant’s care involves regular watering and protection from extreme weather conditions, ensuring its health and continued bloom cycle.

Beyond its horticultural merits, the Camellia has significant cultural implications. In Japan, the plant is associated with elegance and refinement, often featured in traditional tea ceremonies and artistic representations. In Korea and China, Camellia species are lauded for their enduring beauty and resilience, symbolizing love, passion, and longevity.

Camellia japonica’s allure is not merely superficial; it also holds value in traditional medicine and modern research. Its leaves have been studied for their antioxidant properties, contributing to health and wellness applications.

In conclusion, Camellia japonica is much more than a garden variety plant. It stands as a testament to nature’s artistry, a cultural icon, and a subject of scientific interest. Whether gracing the gardens of enthusiasts or enriching the natural landscapes of its native regions, the Camellia continues to resonate as a symbol of timeless beauty and resilience.

Common Names

Eng: camellia
Por: camélia, rosa-do-japão
Swe: kamelia
En: Camellia, Camellia Albino Botti, Camellia Don Pedro, Camellia Eugene De Massina, Camellia Princess Mary, Donckelaer’s Japanese Camellia, Japanese Camellia, Rose of Winter
Az: Yapon kameliyası
Eu: Japoniako kamelia
Bn: ক্যামেলিয়া
Br: Roz-kamelia
Bg: Обикновена камелия
Zh: Shan cha, 山茶, 山茶花, 日本山茶
Cs: Kamélie japonská
Da: Kamelia
Nl: Camelia
Eo: Japana kamelio
Fi: Kamelia
Fr: Camélia du Japon, Camélia, Thé du japon
Gl: Camelia
De: Kamelie, Japanische Kamelie
Hu: Japán kamélia
It: Camelia
Kv: Камелия
Ko: 동백나무
Lt: Japoninė kamelija
Ml: കാമിലിയ ജാപോനിക
No: Kamelia
Fa: کاملیا ژاپنی
Pl: Kamelia japońska
Pt: Camélia, Rosa-do-japão
Ru: Камелия японская
Sk: Kamélia japonská
Es: Japonska kamelija, Camelio común, Camellia, Rosa de Japon
Sv: Kamelia
Zh-tw: 日本山茶
Th: แต้ฮวย
Zh-hant: 山茶花
Tr: Japon kamelyası
Uk: Камелія японська
Vi: Sơn trà Nhật Bản

Synonyms

• Thea japonica ((L.) Baill.)
• Camellia japonica var. halleyi (Scheidw.)

Distribution

• China North-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Japan (native)
• Korea (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Assam (introduced)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Juan Fernández Is. (introduced)
• Vietnam (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken May 1, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 25, 2017 by José Monteiro (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2019 by Jia Hui Tiong (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Dec 24, 2020 by Ja Cad (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 1, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 4, 2022 by Bernard Boutin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2022 by Steeve Ritter (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 19, 2019 by Jia Hui Tiong (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Feb 15, 2020 by Mancini Giovanni (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 23, 2022 by Rodriguez Jorge (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 4, 2022 by Bernard Boutin (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 26, 2021 by De Vincentis Davide (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 11, 2022 by Dave Flack (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 13, 2022 by idyliik (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 24, 2020 by Ja Cad (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 23, 2021 by Annemarie Ahrens-Stehle (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 2, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 12, 2021 by ufuk mevlevioglu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 7, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 18, 2018 by Bruno Leger (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2021 by eros 4.0 (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 30, 2019 by Gareldo Garretti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 17, 2021 by AbhorrentRed (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 7, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2021 by Saulo Ceolin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2018 by Juan D. Diaz (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3189636)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:828524-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Camellia japonica L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Tree, Shrub

Growth