Camelia

Camelia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Theaceae. They are native to eastern and southern Asia, from the Himalayas east to Japan and Indonesia. There are over 100 described species, with some controversy over the exact number. The genus was named by Carl Linnaeus after the Jesuit botanist Georg Kamel.

Description

Camelias are evergreen shrubs or small trees up to 20 meters tall. Their leaves are alternately arranged, simple, thick, serrated, and usually glossy. The flowers are large and conspicuous, 1–12 cm in diameter, with five to nine petals in naturally occurring species. The colors of the flowers vary from white through pink colors to red; truly yellow flowers are only found in South China and Vietnam.

Cultivation and Uses

Camelias are popular ornamental plants for their flowers, which bloom in early spring in temperate climates. They are also grown for their leaves, which are used to produce tea (Camellia sinensis). The oil extracted from their seeds is used in cooking and cosmetics.

Popular Species

• Camellia japonica - Known as the Japanese camellia, it is one of the most well-known species and is often used in gardens.
• Camellia sasanqua - This species is valued for its fragrant flowers and is often used in hedges.
• Camellia sinensis - The leaves of this species are used to produce tea.

Cultural Significance

In China and Japan, camellias have been cultivated for centuries and hold significant cultural importance. In Japan, the camellia is called "tsubaki" and is often associated with the samurai. In China, the camellia is a symbol of young sons and daughters.

Pests and Diseases

Camelias can be affected by a variety of pests and diseases, including aphids, scale insects, and fungal infections such as camellia petal blight.

Related Pages

• Tea
• Carl Linnaeus
• Georg Kamel
• Theaceae
• Evergreen plant