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Japanese camellia

How to identify Japanese camellia (Camellia japonica)

Japanese camellia, also known as Rose of winter

Japanese camellia is characterized by its glossy, leathery leaves that measure about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 cm) in length, with finely serrated edges. These evergreen leaves are notably coriaceous, offering a year-round display of lush foliage. The plant is recognized for its prominent, axillary flowers, which are typically double in form and substantial in size, blooming in the late winter to early spring months, approximately from February to April.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Japanese camellia

1

Glossy, leathery leaves measuring 2-3 inches (5-7.6 cm) with finely serrated edges.

2

Prominent, axillary double flowers 3-5 inches (7.6-12.7 cm) in diameter, blooming in late winter to early spring.

3

Woody capsule fruit around 1 inch (2.54 cm) in length, changing color upon maturity.

4

Dark brown stem with blackish lenticels, crescent-shaped leaf scars, and coarse texture.

5

Alternate, simple leaves 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, with ovate to elliptic shape and serrated margins.

Japanese camelliaJapanese camelliaJapanese camelliaJapanese camelliaJapanese camellia

Detailed Traits of Japanese camellia

Leaf Features

The leaves of japanese camellia are alternate, simple, and lustrous. They measure 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in length, showcasing a leathery texture and dark green color. The shape is ovate to elliptic, with serrated margins adding a distinctive touch. This combination of features makes the leaves easily identifiable for novices and experts alike, highlighting their unique textures and margins.

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

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Flower Features

The flowers of japanese camellia are semi-double to double, measuring 3-5 inches (7.6-12.7 cm) in diameter. They bloom in late winter to early spring, displaying a variety of colors including white, pink, red, rose, and variegated patterns. The petals are arranged in a layered fashion, creating a lush, full appearance. These blooms do not exhibit a strong scent, making them a visual rather than olfactory delight.

Japanese camellia Flower imageJapanese camellia Flower image
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Stem Features

The stem of japanese camellia is dark brown and features distinctive blackish lenticels, which are small, lens-shaped openings. It has a coarse texture, with its surface often displaying crescent-shaped leaf scars where leaves have fallen off. Typically, the stem can range in thickness, with older stems often reaching up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter. The branching pattern of the stem is generally dense, contributing to the plant's overall bushy appearance.

Japanese camellia Stem imageJapanese camellia Stem image
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Fruit Features

The fruit of japanese camellia is a woody capsule, roughly 1 inch (2.54 cm) in length. Upon maturity, it may change in color as it dries out and splits open to release seeds. Its surface texture can vary from smooth to slightly textured. The shape is typically oval to cylindrical, sometimes exhibiting subtle ridges or grooves. It houses multiple compartments where the seeds develop, and these seeds are generally small and brown. The structural features of this fruit are distinctive for seed dispersal and species propagation.

Japanese camellia Fruit image
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Japanese camellia and Their Similar Plants

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Tea-oil camellia vs. Japanese camellia: What's The Difference?
Tea-oil camellia (Camellia oleifera) is a plant species often commercially used to make tea seed oil. The oil made from the seeds of tea-oil camellia is similar in composition to olive oil. Tea seed oil is also known as camellia oil, and it can be used to make soap or textiles.
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Tea vs. Japanese camellia: What's The Difference?
The leaves of the tea (Camellia sinensis) are used to make black, green and oolong tea. A small, evergreen shrub whose small, fragrant, white flowers bloom in fall. Prefers full sun, in well-drained, slightly acidic, sandy soil. Tea leaves can be harvested after the third year.
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Temple flower vs. Japanese camellia: What's The Difference?
Temple flower (Camellia reticulata) gets its Latin name reticulata, or net-like, from the net-like pattern of veins on its leaves. This flower is the floral emblem of China's Yunnan province. This is a popular ornamental shrub or small tree that only grows in warmer climates since it has almost no frost-hardiness.
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Japanese camellia 'Kramer's Supreme' vs. Japanese camellia: What's The Difference?
With salmon-colored blooms shaped like peonies, the appearance of japanese camellia 'Kramer's Supreme' is second to none. This plant is a Camellia cultivar, which is likely to have been cultivated from Camellia japonica, although this is not confirmed. The cultivar's name is equally mysterious, with no given explanation as to why it was called "Kramer's Supreme."
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sasanqua camellia vs. Japanese camellia: What's The Difference?
Sasanqua camellia is a small to medium evergreen shrub cherished for its early winter blooms. Native to Japan, sasanqua camellia typically thrives in well-drained, acidic soil and partial shade, although it can tolerate some sun. Its glossy, dark green leaves frame delicate flowers, which come in shades of white, pink, or red. The fragrant blossoms often appear as single or semi-double forms, heralding the cooler season with a subtle, graceful display.
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Key Facts About Japanese camellia

Attributes of Japanese camellia
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Shrub
Plant Height
1.5 m to 15 m
Spread
1.8 m to 3 m
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
3 cm to 10 cm
Flower Color
Red
White
Pink
Cream
Yellow
Fruit Color
Brown
Copper
Stem Color
Green
Brown
Leaf type
Evergreen
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Scientific Classification of Japanese camellia

Family
Tea
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Species
Japanese camellia (Camellia japonica)
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Distribution Map of Japanese camellia

Japanese camellia is native to east Asia. Although not widely distributed in the wild, it has been introduced in other Asian countries. Japanese camellia prefers to grow in hilly woodland areas at sea level near the coast, and is appreciated as an ornamental for gardens with suitable climates around the world.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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