Common Name:

General Information

Camellia grijsii is an evergreen shrub that can grow from 1 - 4 metres tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for its seed, which is used to extract an oil that is edible, medicinal and has a range of other uses. The plant is grown as an ornamental.
Camellia grijsii is a widespread species in southeastern China. There are reports of a 30% population decline due to deforestation, dams and increased pressure from the human population. However, the extent and time frame of this decline is not fully known. More information is needed to monitor this species. The plant is classified as 'Data Deficient' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - southern China

Habitat

Forests, thickets; at elevations from 100 - 1,500 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Data Deficient
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	2.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, 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[].
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[].
This species tolerates a variety of aspects. This may be presumed by observing the many cultivars and varieties of this Camellia species. The age of a number of cultivated specimens (in China and Viet Nam) has been estimated to be in excess of 80 years[].
This species mainly propagates by seed, however it has a very low seed reproduction rate which limits its reproduction[].
It is a potentially important as a garden and landscape plant[].

Edible Uses

The seed is used to produce a cooking oil[]. As a cooking oil, it compares favourably with olive oil and has therapeutic value for health[].
The oblate capsule is 15 - 25mm in diameter, 1 - 3-loculed with 1 or 2 brown, globose seeds per locule[].

Medicinal

The oil from the seed is used medicinally in skin preparations[].

Other Uses

An oil extracted from the seed seed is used in the manufacture of soap, margarine, lubricants, hair oil, paint, rustproof oil and other compounds with a high-molecular weight as well as in cosmetics and dermopharmacy[].

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.