The identity of Camellia drupifera has long been uncertain. It has often been treated as conspecific with either Camellia oleifera or Camellia kissii. However, we are following the treatment in the Flora of China[], which recognizes it as distinct[].

Common Name:

General Information

Camellia drupifera is an evergreen shrub growing around 7 metres tall.
The plant is extensively cultivated in southern China for its seeds, from which a good quality oil is extracted[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern China, Vietnam

Habitat

Forests and thickets at elevations of 100 - 700 metres in southern China[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	7.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Camellia species are found mainly in the warm temperate to subtropical regions of southern China, and most species experience mild winters with few frosts plus wet summers[]. Camellia drupifera is found mainly at low elevations in southern China, and will only succeed outdoors in the very mildest regions of the temperate zone, tolerating occasional, short-lived temperatures down to around -6°c[]. It is suitable for cultivation in lowland tropical areas.
Species in this genus generally prefer a peaty, more or less lime-free soil with a pH in the range 5 - 7, but most will grow well in an open loam to which ample leaf-mould has been added, so long as it is well-drained and lime-free. Most species are understorey plants in forests (preferably oak or pine) and prefer a warm, sheltered position with moderate shade; at least at the hottest time of day[, ]. Requires a position sheltered from strong winds[].

Edible Uses

An edible oil is obtained from the seed[].
The globose to ovoid capsule is 40 - 70mm in diameter, 3 - 5-loculed with 1 - 4 brown seeds per locule[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

An oil is obtained from the seed[].

The oil obtained from the seed of this species is likely to be very similar in quality to that obtained from Camellia oleifera. The uses of that oil are as follows:-
The seed contains 40 - 50% of a non-drying oil. The oil consists mainly of oleic acid. It is not subject to polymerize nor to oxidize, nor does it form solids at low temperatures[]. The oil has a wide range of applications. It is a good raw material for industrial uses, it is used as an illuminant, in making textiles and in the manufacture of items such as soap, margarine, hair oil, lubricants, inks and paint. It is also used in the synthesis of other high-molecular weight compounds, and to make a rustproof coating for metals. It is often used medicinally and in cosmetics in items such as skin creams and anti-wrinkle compounds[, , , , , ].
Various compounds are extracted from the seeds once the oil has been removed. These include saponins (used an emulsifying agent in pesticides, for foam-forming fire extinguishers and in detergents), tannins and pentosan[].
The seed cake has insecticidal activity, and has been proven to give effective control over a range of pests[, ].

Propagation

Seed - can be sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse[]. Stored seed should be pre-soaked for 24 hours in warm water and the hard covering around the micropyle should be filed down to leave a thin covering[, , ]. It usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 23°c[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions when they are more than 15cm tall and give them some protection from winter cold for their first year or three outdoors[].
Cuttings of almost ripe wood, 10 - 15cm with a heel, mid summer to early autumn in a shaded frame. High percentage but slow[].
Cuttings of firm wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, end of early summer in a frame[, ]. Keep in a cool greenhouse for the first year[].
Leaf-bud cuttings, mid summer in a frame.