Stewartia malacodendron aka Round Fruit Stewartia

Stewartia malacodendron also goes by the name silky camellia. It belongs to the tea family, Theaceae. This shrub or small tree sheds its leaves each year. It grows at a slow rate. Its native range spans the southeastern United States, west to Texas. It grows under woodland trees and by streams and ravines. In North Carolina, most plants grow on the coastal plain. Some states report that local groups are scarce or threatened.

In gardens, it often reaches 10–18 feet [3–5.5 metres] tall. RHS gives a taller range of 13–26 feet [4–8 metres]. Its broad branches can spread 15–25 feet [4.6–7.6 metres]. RHS lists a narrower spread of 8–13 feet [2.5–4 metres]. It may form several trunks with branches that reach sideways. Its smooth, cinnamon-brown bark peels off in thin strips. Young reddish-brown twigs have soft hairs. They then turn smooth and gray-green.

The simple leaves grow one at a time along the stems. They are dark green and oval, with toothed edges. Each leaf measures about 2–4 inches long. Silky hairs cover the underside of each leaf. In fall, the leaves turn greenish yellow to yellow. White flowers open from spring into early summer. Each flower grows alone and spans about 3 inches across. Five petals have crimped edges around a striking central cluster. Purple stamens bear blue anthers, the parts that hold pollen. Some petals have purple streaks. Bees and butterflies visit the flowers for pollen. Small, green, woody seed cases, called capsules, follow the flowers. They ripen in fall. These oval fruits hold brown seeds. Birds and small mammals help spread them.

This plant suits sheltered woodland beds and shaded cottage gardens. Its flowers, fall leaves, and winter bark add interest through the seasons. It can serve as a specimen or garden accent. Give it moist soil rich in humus that drains well. Loam suits it, and RHS also lists sandy soil. Both sources list acid soil; RHS also accepts neutral soil. Morning sun suits it. Give it deep shade from hot afternoon sun. Keep the roots shaded. Avoid moving plants once they have taken root. They are hard to move, and growing them can be demanding. RHS rates it H5; NC State lists USDA zones 7b–9a.

Prune only to remove damaged or diseased branches. Growers can raise it from seed or stem cuttings. NC State reports no serious insect or disease problems. RHS also finds few pests but notes possible honey fungus. The level of risk from that fungus remains unclear. The supplied sources do not establish edible uses or toxicity.