How to identify Tea-oil camellia (Camellia oleifera)

How to identify Tea-oil camellia (Camellia oleifera)

Tea-oil camellia, also known as Sasanqua camellia, Oil-seed camellia

Tea-oil camellia is an evergreen shrub characterized by its glossy, dark green leaves which can grow up to 4 inches (10 cm) long. The plant flaunts large, showy flowers often ranging from white to various shades of pink and red. Each symmetrical blossom can span approximately 2 to 5 inches (5 to 12 cm) in diameter and typically features a central cluster of golden yellow stamens. The flowering season extends from late fall into the early spring, providing vibrant blooms during a time when few other plants are in flower.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Tea-oil camellia

Leaves: Dark green, glossy, simple, 1-3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm) long, leathery texture, pinnate venation.

Flowers: Large, 2-5 inches (5-12 cm) in diameter, white to pink shades, yellow stamens cluster.

Fruit: Woody capsule, 1 inch (2.54 cm) long, rough texture, dehisces along distinct lines.

Bark: Cinnamon-colored, smooth texture, slight flaking pattern, distinctive visual appeal, thick trunks.

Fragrance: Flowers emit a pleasant scent, enhancing the visual allure of the plant.

Detailed Traits of Tea-oil camellia

Leaf Features

The leaves of tea-oil camellia are alternate and simple, typically measuring 1-3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm) in length. They are lustrous and dark green, with a leathery texture. The leaf's vein pattern is pinnate, with a central vein from which smaller veins radiate. The leaves have a glossy finish, making them stand out in their natural environment. Their durability and distinct venation make them a key feature for identifying this plant.

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Flower Features

Tea-oil camellia flowers bloom in fall and winter, displaying a delicate and elegant appearance. The flowers are 2-2.5 inches (5-6.4 cm) in diameter and come in shades of white or pink. The petals are long, slightly twisted, and surround a cluster of bright yellow stamens, which are a striking contrast to the petal color. The flowers are also known for their pleasant fragrance, making them as delightful to the nose as they are to the eyes.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of tea-oil camellia is a globular, roundish woody capsule that may reach up to 1 inch (2.54 cm) in length. Upon maturity, its light brown to grayish-brown surface may exhibit a slightly rough texture. This capsule typically contains several compartments, each harboring seeds. As the fruit matures, it may split open into segments, revealing the seeds inside. These characteristics are integral for identifying the fruit, particularly its notable woody nature and propensity to dehisce along distinct lines to release its seeds.

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Tea-oil camellia and Their Similar Plants

Japanese camellia vs. Tea-oil camellia: What's The Difference?

The japanese camellia is a small tree or shrub with glossy green leaves and showy white, pink or red flowers. Native to Japan, it has since spread around the world and is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant, even becoming the official state flower of the U.S. state of Alabama. In China, it is considered a symbol of good luck and is a staple of many New Year's celebrations.

Tea vs. Tea-oil 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.

Temple flower vs. Tea-oil 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.

Japanese camellia 'Kramer's Supreme' vs. Tea-oil 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."

sasanqua camellia vs. Tea-oil 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 Tea-oil camellia

Attributes of Tea-oil camellia

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

1 m to 8 m

Spread

3 m to 3.5 m

Leaf Color

Green

Leaf type

Evergreen

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Scientific Classification of Tea-oil camellia

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

Tea-oil camellia (Camellia oleifera)

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Distribution Map of Tea-oil camellia

Tea-oil camellia is native to east and south of Asia. It has only been introduced to South Korea and North Korea. You'll find it growing naturally in dense shrubbery, woodland, and alongside streams. It prefers elevations of 500 to 1300 meters.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

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A Comprehensive Guide to Tea-oil camellia How to Grow and Care for Tea-oil camellia