Camellia Chekiangoleosa 2 Large Seeds, Flowering Shrub Or Small Tree, Oil Producing

The Plant Attraction

$5.99 

Camellia chekiangoleosa
Also known as: Yunnan Camellia

This evergreen shrub to small tree is native to the forested highlands of Southern China and is closely related to Camellia japonica but has larger flowers. Not only is it valued as an ornamental in gardens but it is harvested from the wild, and also cultivated, for its edible oil-rich seeds.

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 often used medicinally and in cosmetics such as skin creams and anti-wrinkle compounds. The seed cake has insecticidal activity, and has been proven to give effective control over a range of pests.

The elliptical leaves are glossy, leathery and dark green with toothed margins. Mature specimens develop an open, spreading to upright form generally 7'-10' feet tall, but reports of it growing much taller in its native land. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Shrubs bloom in fall to early winter. The flowers are produced singly or in pairs on slender stems. Each has waxy beautiful red/pink petals that often overlap to create a distinctly funnel shape when viewed from the side. The capsule fruits are not fully ripe until the following autumn.

Suitable for light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers moist but well drained soil. Suitable pH: acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. Can be container grown to be kept small for porches and patios. 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 is notoriously slow growing and usually germinates in 1 - 4 months. 
USDA zone 7-10.

This offer is for 2 large seeds.