Camellias are remarkable. Their flowers have been associated with the ultimate in style and femininity. The seeds of Camellia oleifera, Camellia sinensis and Camellia japonica yield an oil which has been used in Asia for centuries as an ingredient for beauty products and as cooking oil. The leaves of Camellia sinensis have been credited with changing the course of history.
Camellias belong to the family Theaceae and are evergreen shrubs or small trees up to 20m tall. Their leaves are usually glossy and their flowers are usually large and conspicuous. There are many different species and tens of thousands of cultivars.
Camellias had been cultivated for centuries in Asia before being introduced to Europe in the eighteenth century where they became highly sought after for their attractive flowers. Camellia flowers later became the iconic symbol for the Chanel fashion house's haute couture.
The oil pressed from the seeds is used in skin and hair care products. Sumo wrestlers use the fragrant oil to slick back their hair into a traditional topknot style. The oil is also the main cooking oil in some parts of southern China.
The leaves and leaf buds of Camellia sinensis are used to produce tea. White tea, green tea, oolong, pu-erh tea and black tea are all harvested from this species, but are processed differently.
The eighteenth century tea trade had an almost global impact. The demand in Europe outstripped supply and this led to many dastardly deeds, political upheaval and widespread misery in Asia.
The Japan-based Urasenke Foundation now uses Chado, the Way of Tea to promote peace, harmony, respect, purity, tranquility and unconditional loving-kindness.
The beautiful flowers of Camellia sasanqua may presently be observed near the tea house of Shoyoen, at the Dubbo Regional Botanic Garden.
By Ian McAlister and Karen Hagan