Column "Camellia" part 4
~Trivia of camellias~
What is the fruit in this picture?
- Actually, it's a fruit of "Ringotsubaki(apple camellia)" It's one of the variations of Camellia japonica, and has a feature forming big red fruit like apples. The size of its flowers and seeds is almost the same as Camellia japonica. Another name of this camellia is "Yakushimatsubaki(Yakushima camellia)," as it is often found in Yakushima Island.
It is interesting to pay attention to the leaves of camellias as they have many varieties. You can find leaves like that of the cherry tree or like a small sake cup.
What is the leaf in this picture?
- This is the leaf of "Kingyobatsubaki(goldfish camellia)". The tip of the leaf forks off in three parts and it looks like the tail of a goldfish, as the name suggests. It's a popular cultivar of Camellia japonica.