Camellia, << kuh MEEL yuh or kuh MEE lee uh, >> is a group of about 80 evergreen trees or shrubs native to eastern Asia. This group includes three well-known plants that are cultivated in warm regions of the United States: the common camellia, the sasanqua, and the tea plant. Camellias have shiny, leathery, dark green leaves. Most varieties bear large, showy blossoms that may be red, white, pink, or spotted with color.
Camellias thrive in partial shade and well-drained, fertile soil. Gardeners usually raise the plants from cuttings or by grafting. The common camellia blooms in winter and spring. The sasanqua and the tea plant bloom in autumn.
Camellias were introduced into Europe perhaps as early as 1550. The tea plant, used for making tea for centuries in China, was introduced into Japan before 1000. See Tea .
