Plantidote of the Day 2010-12-10

Theaceae

Camellia

Best guess is that this is a single flower camellia japonica. There are thousands of different camellias, though, so if someone recognizes this variety, feel free to tell us more in a comment. The tea plant (Camellia sinensis) is one of the most famous members of the family. Apparently, it's possible to grow your own tea, at least here in Zone 10, which actually sounds like fun.

If you're ever in southern California, Descanso Gardens has a remarkable camellia collection, the largest in North America!

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Readers, please send twig (twig4now@gmail.com) images and stories for the ongoing Plantidote of the Day series. In exchange, you'll win undying fame in the form of a hat tip! Plants growing in your garden, your house, or neighbor's yard, plants from the forest or farmers' market, plants you preserved, plants you prepared (wine; cider; tea; dried beans), plants you harvested (grains; chantrelles), plants you picked (flowers), plants you dried (herbs), plants you covet or hope to grow someday. Herbal remedies, propagation tips, new varieties, etc.. And if you can, include some solid detail about the plant, too -- a story, the genus and species, or where you got the seeds, or the recipe, or your grandmother gave it to you. Or challenge us with a "Name That Plant" mystery entry ... And please feel free to add corrections and additional information in the comments.

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