Camellia impressinervis

Botanical Description

Camellia impressinervis is an evergreen shrub or a small tree; it can grow from 1.5 - 5 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. ]. This is one of several species of Camellia growing in Guangxi that have golden-yellow petals. These petals are being harvested indiscriminately from several of those species for purported medicinal benefits. The plant is highly valued as an ornamental. Camelia impressinervis is only found in one location. It is threatened by desertification of the Karst ecosystem, which is causing a continuing decline in the quality of habitat, and by collection from the wild for the horticultural trade causing a decline in mature individuals. The trade and harvest levels need to be researched to determine the effect this has on the population. The overall population of this species is no more than 45 individuals. The plant is classified as 'Critically Endangered' 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. ].