Lower Risk

Camellia japonica (Camellia)

This long-lived shrub or small tree is native to Asia (Himalayas, China, Japan and Malaysia) and is widely cultivated due to its glossy foliage and attractive colourful flowers. It has been in the Australian plant trade since 1817 and has not escaped cultivation due to its lack of invasive characteristics. The species is not regarded as invasive overseas either. It is a slow growing species and the roots are known to be shallow. Frost stimulates blooming and the species reproduces by seeds, although for cultivation purposes they are replicated vegetatively via cuttings.