Common Name:

General Information

Camellia micrantha is an evergreen shrub that can grow 2 - 3 metres tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for its yellow petals which are highly prized in China for purported medicinal virtues[].
Camellia micrantha is a range restricted species found only in Guangxi, China. The main threat is from exploitation of the yellow (or golden) flowers which are in high demand due to their potentially medicinal properties. The plant is classified as 'Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern China (Guangxi)

Habitat

An understorey plant in evergreen broad-leaved forests; at elevations from 100 - 400 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	2.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	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 micrantha 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[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Camellia micrantha is classed as a 'golden' Camellia due to its yellow flowers. 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)[].

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.