Common Name:

General Information

Camellia impressinervis is an evergreen shrub or a small tree; it can grow from 1.5 - 5 metres tall[].
This is one of several species of Camellia growing in Guangxi that have golden-yellow petals. These petals are being harvested indiscriminately from several of those species for purported medicinal benefits. The plant is highly valued as an ornamental.
Camelia impressinervis is only found in one location. It is threatened by desertification of the Karst ecosystem, which is causing a continuing decline in the quality of habitat, and by collection from the wild for the horticultural trade causing a decline in mature individuals. The trade and harvest levels need to be researched to determine the effect this has on the population. The overall population of this species is no more than 45 individuals. The plant is classified as 'Critically Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern China (Guangxi)

Habitat

Evergreen broad-leaved forests on calcareous hills; at elevations from 100 - 500 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Critically Endangered
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	3.00 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[]. Camellia impressinervis is found mainly at low elevations in southern China, and will only succeed outdoors in the very mildest regions of the temperate zone.
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 is grown as an ornamental garden plant. Due to its attractive foliage and large yellow flowers, this species is popular among cultivators. It is collected from the wild for the horticulture trade[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The petals are deep yellow-coloured[, ]. We have no specific information for this species, but since 2010, companies in Guangxi have been promoting yellow Camellia flowers as a medicinal product. It has been reported that a kilogram of of dried wild yellow Camellia flowers is priced at more than 10,000 yuan ($1,607), and consequently the golden-yellow petals of most, if not all, Camellia species in Guangxi are being harvested indiscriminately[].

Other Uses

None known

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.