Camellia brevistyla

Botanical Description

Camellia brevistyla is usually an evergreen shrub usually growing 1 - 3.5 metres tall; it occasionally becomes more tree-like, growing 5 - 8 metres tall[ 266 Title Flora of China Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/ Publisher Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis. Year 1994 ISBN Description An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available. ]. The plant is harvested from the wild, and also cultivated, for its oil-rich seeds. It is also grown as an ornamental in gardens. Camellia brevistyla is a widespread species across southern China. There are general threats of deforestation and habitat loss due to the growing population (agricultural expansion and urban developments). Also, this species is collected for food oil purposes - however it has been reported as being abundant and recorded as able to regenerate in deforested areas. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[ 338 Title IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Publication Author Website http://www.iucnredlist.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat. ].