CAMELLIA Meaning and
Definition
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Camellia is a noun referring to a genus of flowering plants that belong to the family Theaceae. The word originated from the Latinization of the name of the Jesuit botanist and missionary named Kamel, who traveled to the Far East and documented various plant species. It is characterized by evergreen shrubs or small trees with glossy leaves and showy flowers that bloom in various colors like white, pink, red, or yellow. The flowers of the camellia are typically large, with numerous petals arranged in an aesthetically pleasing symmetric pattern.
Camellias are native to East Asia, particularly Japan, China, and Korea, and are highly regarded for their beauty and ornamental value. Due to their attractive appearance, they are cultivated and grown in many different regions worldwide for ornamental purposes, especially in temperate climates. They are also important in the horticulture industry, with various cultivars developed to enhance specific traits like flower color, size, and shape.
Apart from their decorative value, camellias have been traditionally used in different cultures for diverse purposes. In some regions, the leaves of certain camellia species are used to produce tea, such as the renowned green tea and black tea varieties. The seeds of some camellia species are also used to extract oil, which has various applications in cosmetics, cooking, and industrial uses. Overall, camellias are esteemed for their aesthetic appeal in gardens, commercial value in horticulture, and cultural significance in different traditions.
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A genus of plants of tropical Asia, among the species of which are C. japonica, the cultivated camellia, and C. thea or C. theifera, the tea-plant; for the latter, see thea.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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A genus of plants admired for their beautiful flowers and elegant leaves.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for CAMELLIA
Etymology of CAMELLIA
The word "camellia" is derived from the Latinized name of the botanist and Jesuit missionary, Georg Kamel (1661-1706). Kamel was a Czech-born botanist who traveled to the Philippines in the late 17th century. During his time there, he extensively studied and cataloged the local flora, including a flowering plant with beautiful blossoms. Swedish botanist and taxonomist, Carl Linnaeus, named this plant "Camellia" in honor of Kamel's contributions to botany.
Similar spelling words for CAMELLIA
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