It is a loosely branched shrub or small tree, which can grow up to 10 to 15 meters (33 to 49 ft) in height.[4] The leaves are elliptic to oblong-elliptic, 5–11 centimetres (2.0–4.3 in) long and 4–5.5 centimetres (1.6–2.2 in) wide. The flowers are 7–10 centimetres (2.8–3.9 in) in diameter, or larger in some cultivars, soft-pink to deep-pink and rarely almost white, with 5–7 petals or more in some cultivars,[5] and are produced in sub-terminal or axillary positions on the branch.[5] The fruit is a light brown, three-segmented capsule, about 5 centimetres (2.0 in) in diameter that ripens in the fall[6] This Camellia is very susceptible to cold weather and has a late blooming season; August through October in the southern hemisphere and March through May in the northern hemisphere.[7]
Symbolism and uses
Camellia reticulata is the floral emblem of Yunnan. It has a long history of cultivation, both for tea oil and for its ornamental value.[8]
In 1820, Captain Richard Rawes of the East IndiamanWarren Hastings imported the first reticulata to England, (named 'Captain Rawes'). It remained the only known reticulata cultivated in Europe for over a century.[9]
^ abTianlu Min and Bruce Bartholomew (2007), "Camellia reticulata", Flora of China online, vol. 12, archived from the original on 10 September 2015, retrieved 21 April 2015
^"Camellias from China". Rhododendron Dell — Plant collections. Dunedin Botanic Garden. 8 Mar 2012. Archived from the original on 22 April 2016. Retrieved 5 April 2016.
