Frequent title
Frequent camellia, Japanese camellia, tsubaki
Scientific title
Camellia japonica L.
Household
Theaceae
Botanical description
Camellia japonica is an evergreen shrub or small tree that may develop as much as 10 meters tall. It has alternately organized, easy, shiny, darkish inexperienced leaves with serrated margins. The flowers are giant, showy, and usually crimson, pink, or white in color, showing from late winter to early spring. The fruit is a globose capsule containing a number of seeds.
Standing
Cultivated and naturalised in varied elements of the world.
Habitat and distribution
Native to Japan, Korea, and China. It’s extensively cultivated as a decorative plant in temperate areas worldwide.
Components used for meals
Younger leaves, flowers, and seeds.
Harvest time
Younger leaves could be harvested all year long, whereas flowers are collected throughout the blooming interval.
Meals makes use of
Folks domesticate Camellia japonica as an oil crop and decorative plant.
The seeds comprise an oleic-rich, non-drying oil, which individuals use as vegetable oil.
Folks use the dried flowers as a vegetable and the leaves as an alternative to tea.
The seeds could be pressed for oil, which is utilized in cooking.
Dietary profile
Camellia japonica leaves comprise polyphenols, together with flavonoids and catechins. The seed oil is wealthy in oleic acid and different unsaturated fatty acids.
Conventional drugs makes use of
In conventional Chinese language drugs, Camellia japonica has been used to deal with varied illnesses, together with bleeding, irritation, and digestive problems. The leaves and flowers have been utilized in people drugs for his or her astringent and hemostatic properties.
Different makes use of
Camellia japonica is extensively cultivated as a decorative plant for its engaging flowers. The seed oil has been utilized in cosmetics and as a hair oil.
Security notes
Camellia japonica is usually thought-about protected when consumed in regular quantities as meals or tea. Nevertheless, the plant accommodates saponins, which could be poisonous in giant doses. Allergic reactions to the pollen have been reported in delicate people.
