Garden Camellia, Japanese Camellia, Mountain tea
Camellia japonica

Family: Theaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 1.8-7.5 m tall. It spreads 1.8-6 m wide. The leaves are glossy on the top surface and dull and spotted underneath. They are broadly oval and pointed. The flowers are large and red. The fruit vary in size. Many named varieties occur.

There are about 250-300 Camellia species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It is resistant to frost but sensitive to drought. In Japan it grows along river banks and on the edges of forests. It grow in forests between 300-1,100 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 8-10. Arboretum Tasmania. They do well with a pH of 4.5-5.5. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, China, East Africa, Europe, Georgia, Hawaii, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan (country/location of origin), Korea, Pacific, Sao Tome and Principe, SE Asia, Slovenia, Spain, Taiwan, Tasmania, USA, Vietnam, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The leaves are used as a substitute for tea. The seeds used to produce an edible oil. The peppery leaves are eaten fresh. They are also used as a wrapping. The dried flowers are eaten as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Leaves - tea, seeds - oil, flowers, leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. They can also be grown by cuttings, layering or grafting.

Its other names

Local names

Dongbaek-kkambugi, False flax, Gold of pleasure, Japonska kamelija, Kamelia jepang, Mawar musim dingin, Rose of winter, Shancha, Siberian oil seed, Trahoa nhat, Tsitsmati

Synonyms

Thea japonica Nois.;