Edible: Leaves, ? edible or wrapping?, Bark - masticatory, Root
A compact semi-deciduous shrub. The stems are 2.7 m long. They arch over. The leaves are pale yellowish-green. They are 12 cm long. The flowers are small and pink. The fruit are deep purple berries. They remain on the plant for a long time.
It is a subtropical plant. It grows naturally in tropical and subtropical Asia. It needs a warm location. In southern China it grows between 100-3,500 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 9-11. In Sichuan and Yunnan.
Common Names: Garden Camellia, Japanese Camellia, Mountain tea, Soh shun, Chinese beauty berry, Bonmala, Gopura esing, Ja-lang-kwai