Tea-oil camellia - Camellia oleifera (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Tea-oil camellia

Also known as: Sasanqua camellia, Oil-seed camellia

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.

Scientific classification

Species

Tea-oil camellia (Camellia oleifera)

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

1 m to 8 m

Plant Height

3 m to 3.5 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

2.5 cm to 8 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Green, Copper

Fruit Color

White, Pink

Flower Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Fall, Winter

Growth Season

Slow

Growth Rate

Images of Tea-oil camellia

Distribution of Tea-oil camellia

Distribution Map

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

Introduced

No species reported

Discover plant distribution and habitat

Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.

Download the App for Free

Habitat

Forests, thickets, banks of streams, foothills

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Tea-oil camellia is a very common shrub or small tree that is highly prized for its natural oils and delightfully fragrant blossoms. Its dense leaves make it perfect as a border shrub, hedge, or even a container plant. If left to grow, tea-oil camellia can become a rather large specimen piece as well. Excellent in woodland gardens and alongside rhododendrons, ferns, and azaleas.

Symbolism

Riches White: You're adorable, Perfected loveliness General: Gratitude, Perfection Red: Unpretending excellence, You're a flame in my heart. Pink: Longing for you

Interesting Facts

In its native China, tea-oil camellia (Camellia oleifera) is widely cultivated for its oils, as indicated in its common name (and, indeed, the species epithet oleifera also means "oil-bearing"). The oil is gotten from the plant's seeds and is used in cooking.

Name Story

Tea-oil camellia: The seeds can be compressed to produce yield tea seed oil, a sweet seasoning and cooking oil. Therefore, it is called Tea-oil camellia.

Get quick plant knowledge with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.

Download the App for Free

Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Tea-oil camellia, including the following common varieties :

Camellias 'Red'Camellias 'Sparkling Burgundy'Camellias 'Snow Flurry'Camellias 'Narumigata'Camellias 'Jean May'Camellias 'Rainbow'Camellias 'White'Camellias 'Shishigashira'Camellias 'Polar Ice'Camellias 'Mine'Tea-oil camellia 'Winter's Star'Camellias 'Fragrant Pink'Camellias 'Yuletide'

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.

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Tea-oil camellia

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating from humid China, tea-oil camellia prefers subtropical conditions with moderate drought tolerance. Water every 1-2 weeks, maintaining moisture and drainage. As an evergreen, adequate watering is crucial for keeping its glossy leaves vibrant through temperature changes.

Fertilize: For tea-oil camellia, use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in spring and a high nitrogen mix in early summer, fertilizing bi-monthly at quarter strength. Avoid leaf contact and adjust feeding for seasonal growth. Water thoroughly after application to enhance nutrient absorption and plant health.

Pruning: Tea-oil camellia thrives with early spring pruning, focusing on removing dead branches and dense inner growth for healthy development and airflow. Regular annual pruning enhances bloom and fruit yield while careful timing prevents winter damage, ensuring the plant maintains its vigor and form.

Propagation: Tea-oil camellia is propagated by cutting a healthy semi-hardwood stem at a 45-degree angle, using rooting hormone. Plant in well-draining mix, maintain moisture, and provide warmth and indirect sunlight for successful rooting. With care, cuttings develop into strong new tea-oil camellia plants.

Repotting: Repot tea-oil camellia every 2-3 years in early spring, using a spacious container with good drainage. After repotting, provide well-draining soil and partial shade for recovery. Maintain a consistent watering schedule for optimal growth.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free

Images of Tea-oil camellia

Distribution of Tea-oil camellia

Culture

Cultivars

Quickly Identify Tea-oil camellia

Care Guide for Tea-oil camellia

PEOPLE ALSO ASK

Common Pests & Diseases