Common Name: Camellia

General Information

Camellia sasanqua is an evergreen shrub or a small tree with slender branches; it can grow up to 5 metres tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild, and also cultivated for the oil-rich seeds and for the aromatic petals which are the source of an essential oil. It is often grown as an ornamental in gardens, where it can be used as a hedge.
Camellia sasanqua has a wide range and there are no current threats to this species. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

A substance called Ch'da tsaiping was reported from Hong Kong as being derived from the residual seed cake of Camellia sasanqua and was used for poisoning fish. It has a use in aquaculture for the control of unwanted predatory fish in water courses[].

Botanical References

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Range

E. Asia - Southern Japan in Kyushu and the Islands southwards

Habitat

Thickets and grassy slopes in mountains[]. Forest openings[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, 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 sasanqua is said to do better in areas with hot summers and is then hardy to about -10°c when dormant[, ]. Another report says that this species is very cold hardy if it is sheltered from cold winds[].
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[].
Many cultivars tolerate full sun, in fact one report says that the species flowers better in a sunny position[] and another that the plant prefers a hot sunny position[].
Plants are not very self-compatible, self-fertilized flowers produce few seeds and these are of low viability[].
A very ornamental plant[], it is closely allied to Camellia oleifera[].
The cultivar 'Narumi-gata' (which is sometimes mistakenly called Camellia oleifera) is a very reliable shrub in Britain[].
Plants resent root disturbance and are best planted out into their final positions whilst still young.
This species is cultivated in Asia for the oil in its seed, there are many named varieties mostly developed for their ornamental value[]. The flowers have a delicate sweet perfume[].

Edible Uses

The oil obtained from the seed is edible if it is refined[, , , , ]. It is said to be equal in quality to olive oil[].

The leaves are mixed with tea to give it a pleasant aroma[, ].

Medicinal

A decoction (of the petals?) is demulcent and expectorant[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Plants can be used as a hedge. The cultivar 'Onigoromo' has been especially mentioned for this purpose[].

Other Uses

A green dye is obtained from the pink or red petals[].

A decoction of the plant (could this refer to the oil in the seed??) is used as a soap substitute for washing oily clothes[].

The fragrant petals are used as a crude material for perfume production[].

A non-drying oil is obtained from the seed. It can be used for lighting, lubrication, for making soap, as a hair-dressing and textile oil[, , , , ].
A substance called Ch'da tsaiping was reported from Hong Kong as being derived from the residual seed cake of Camellia sasanqua and was used for poisoning fish. It has a use in aquaculture for the control of unwanted predatory fish in water courses[].

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. A high percentage take, but they are slow to root[].
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.