Camellia oleifera aka Tea Oil Plant

Camellia oleifera is known as tea-oil camellia or tea-oil tree. It belongs to the tea family, Theaceae. Its native range runs from Assam to southern China and northern Indochina. It grows in forests, thickets, stream banks, and foothills. Growers in China and Vietnam raise it for seed oil. This crop has a history of more than 1,000 years.

This evergreen forms a large shrub or small tree. Its dense crown may become rounded or vase-shaped. Garden plants often reach 10–20 feet [3–6.1 metres] tall. One garden source gives a height of 26 feet [8 metres]. Reported garden spreads range from 8–20 feet [2.5–6.1 metres]. Growth is slow, and plants often have several trunks. Smooth bark has a soft feel and a cinnamon-brown shade. Branches can droop and may need pruning. Dark green leaves have a glossy, leathery surface. They grow alternately, with toothed edges and pinnate veins.

Scented flowers grow singly and form shallow cups. Most are white, though pink flowers also occur. Yellow stamens stand among long petals that twist slightly. Bloom falls in autumn and winter in warmer areas. In the deep South, flowers may last from October into January. Plants in colder sites may bloom in early spring instead. The fruit forms a small, round, woody capsule. It turns brown and splits open when ripe. Bees visit the flowers, and the plant is not self-fertile.

Light shade suits this plant best, though it can take sun. It needs acidic soil with organic matter and good drainage. Keep the soil moist and shelter it from cold, dry winds. Sources place it in USDA zones 7–10 and UK rating H4. Brief colder spells may cause less harm than long, harsh winters. Prune after flowering when needed. Gardeners use it for hedges, borders, and single lawn plants. Its leaves give winter birds cover, and deer cause limited damage.

Aphids, scale insects, vine weevils, and spider mites can attack it. Disease risks include root rot, leaf blight, gall, and honey fungus. Petal blight can spoil flowers, and yellow mottle virus can affect plants. People press the seeds for oil used in cooking. The same oil also goes into soaps, cosmetics, inks, and lubricants. Seed cake serves as fertilizer and livestock feed. Useful Tropical Plants reports no known hazards. That does not establish that every plant part is safe to eat.