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Camellia
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Camellia

Camellia japonica

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
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Basic Details

NameCamellia
DescriptionElegant evergreen shrub prized for exquisite rose-like blooms that appear when few other plants flower, from fall through early spring depending on species. Flowers range from simple, single forms to elaborate doubles with layers of silky petals in white, pink, red, or variegated patterns. The genus includes the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) from which all true teas are produced, as well as hundreds of ornamental varieties cultivated for centuries in Asian gardens.
FamilyTheaceae
GenusCamellia

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaEBr ⊕ ⚥ K5 C5-9 A∞ G(3-5)

Ebracteate (no true bracts, but sepals grade into petals), radially symmetrical (actinomorphic), bisexual, 5 sepals (often grading into petals), 5-9 free petals (more in double forms), numerous free stamens often fused at base into tube, 3-5 fused carpels with superior ovary

Features
  • Named after Jesuit botanist Georg Joseph Kamel (Latinized as 'Camellus') who studied Philippine plants in 17th century. Called 'Tsubaki' in Japan where it holds cultural significance. 'Winter Rose' describes the rose-like blooms appearing in cold months
  • Flowers 2-5 inches (5-12 cm) across in single (5-8 petals), semi-double (2 or more rows), or fully double forms (many overlapping petals). Colors range from pure white through pink to deep red, with bicolors and picotees. Blooms have prominent yellow stamens in center (visible in single forms)
  • Evergreen shrub or small tree. Bloom time varies by species: C. sasanqua (fall, October-December), C. japonica (winter-spring, December-April), C. sinensis (fall, used for tea production). Long-lived plants that improve with age
  • Size varies by species and variety: dwarf forms 3-6 feet (1-2 m), medium 6-12 feet (2-4 m), large specimens to 20+ feet (6+ m). Lifespan of 50-100+ years, some specimens over 500 years old. Propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings, grafting, or air layering
  • Native to eastern and southern Asia including China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, and eastern Himalayas. C. sinensis (tea) from China and India. C. japonica from Japan, Korea, southern China. Found in mountain forests and woodland understories
  • Prefers partial shade to filtered sunlight, especially protection from hot afternoon sun. Requires acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5) rich in organic matter with excellent drainage. Needs consistent moisture but not waterlogged conditions. Cold hardiness varies (zones 6-10 depending on species)
  • Ornamental varieties prized for winter/spring color in shade gardens. C. sinensis leaves processed into green, black, white, and oolong teas. Flowers attract early-season pollinators. Deer resistant. Popular for bonsai, espalier, and container culture. Camellia oil from seeds used in cooking and cosmetics

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificCamellia japonica
English (Alternate)Camellia sinensis, Camellia japonica, Camellia sasanqua, Tsubaki, Winter Rose, Queen of the Winter Flowers
Hindiकमीलया (Kameelya), कैमेलिया (Camelia), फूलवाले हरे पौधे (phulwale hare paudhe)
Tamilதேயிலை(theiyilai),கமெலியா (kameliya), கமலி மலர் (Kamali Malar)
Telugu నల్లతేయాకు(Nallateyaku), తేయాకు (Teyaaku), టియాకు (Tiyaku)
Malayalamകാമലിയ (Kamaliya), ചായ (Chaya) or തെയ്ല (Theyila)
Kannadaಕಮೇಲಿಯಾ (Kamēliya), ಚಹಾ (Chaha), ಚಾ (Chaa), and ತೇ (Tea)
Sanskritस्यामपर्णि (syamaparni), चाहा स्यामपर्णी (chaahaa syamaparni)
Bengaliক্যামেলিয়া (Kamelia), চা গাছ(Cā gācha)
Frenchcamélia
Russianкамелия (kamelia)
Spanishla camelia
GermanKamelie

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.