camellia

[ kuh-meel-yuh, -mee-lee-uh ]

noun

1. any of several shrubs of the genus Camellia, especially C. japonica, native to Asia, having glossy evergreen leaves and white, pink, red, or variegated roselike flowers.

camellia

/ kəˈmiːlɪə /

noun

1. any ornamental shrub of the Asian genus Camellia, esp C. japonica, having glossy evergreen leaves and showy roselike flowers, usually white, pink or red in colour: family Theaceae Also calledjaponica

Word History and Origins

Origin of camellia¹

1745–55; named after G. J. Camellus (1661–1706), Jesuit missionary, who brought it to Europe; -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of camellia¹

C18: New Latin, named after Georg Josef Kamel (1661–1706), Moravian Jesuit missionary, who introduced it to Europe

Example Sentences

Here, they planted a drought-resistant mix of California dune grass, mondo grass and poppies alongside the former owners’ birds of paradise, pink camellias and pineapple guava tree.

From Los Angeles Times

As she grows emotionally, “I started introducing camellias, which bloom in winter,” Rosario said.

From Los Angeles Times

The curiously curated common camellia from Portugal was a strong runner-up.

From BBC

He has also spotted camellias in a Boston botanical garden and southern magnolia trees surviving the past few winters without frost damage.

From Seattle Times

There’s a vase filled with camellia branches on the dining room table.

From Literature