Camellia (Camellia japonica)

Family: Theaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Bloom Color: Lavender, Orange, Pink, Red, White, Yellow. Main Bloom Time: Early spring, Early winter, Late fall, Late winter, Mid winter. Form: Oval.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

An edible oil is obtained from the seed. It is called 'tsubaki oil'. Dried flowers - cooked. Used as a vegetable or mixed with gelatinous-rice to make a Japanese food called 'mochi'. The leaves are a tea substitute. — An edible oil is obtained from the seed.; It is called 'tsubaki oil'.; Dried flowers - cooked.; Used as a vegetable or mixed with gelatinous-rice to make a Japanese food called 'mochi'.

Habitat & North American Range

Woods in hills and down to sea level near the coast in C. and S. Japan. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)