Gray-brown. Current year's branches: reddish brown
Bloom Characteristics:
Single flowers are white with 7-20 slightly twisted petels and yellow stamens. Flowers are 2-2.5" (5-6.4 cm) across.
Foliage Characteristics:
Simple, alternate, obovate to oblanceolate leaves are green and glossy with serrate margines. Leaves are 1-3" (2.5-7.6 cm) across.
Fragrance:
Fragrant flowers.
Fruit Characteristics:
Brown, round, woody capsule. Up to 1" (2.5 cm) in diameter. Ripen in October to November.
Plant Size:
10-20' tall x 10-15' wide (3-6 x 3-4.6 meters)
Structure:
Oval
Range:
Assam to S China and N Indo-China
Habitat:
forest hills; 650-5900ft (200-1800m)
Description:
This camellia species is an uncommon sight in American gardens, but highly important as an agricultural product in China and other Asian countries for over 2,000 years. While many gardeners think of camellias as valuable for their flowers, this camellia is actually most valued for its seeds. When the seed pods ripen and split open, oil can be pressed from the seeds which is used in high heat cooking, for cosmetics, medicinally, and for many other uses. This camellia is also the most cold-hardy of the genus, and has been used to breed camellia hybrids which can grow in USDA zone 6 with little injury. A useful and historic species, this plant is an interesting spot for any camellia aficionado.
Hardiness:
-10 - 30 F
Bloom Time:
March
Ethnobotanical Uses:
Oil is pressed from seeds and used in high heat cooking. Oil is also used for inks, lubricants, soaps, and cosmetics. Seed cakes are used to feed livestock and for fertilizer.