English: Japanese Stewartia.
Family:
Theaceae.
Region: Japan, Korea.
Habitat: mountain forests, woodland areas; preferring well-drained, acidic soils, and locations with partial shade to full sun.
Use: ornamental,for its beautiful flowers, attractive bark, autumn foliage; timber, for fine wood in traditional crafts.
BotanyTree; deciduous; 10-15 meters tall; pyramidal to oval crown.
Root: fibrous root system, preferring well-drained soils.
Leaves: elliptic to obovate; dark green in summer, turning to shades of red, orange, and yellow in autumn.
Inflorescence: solitary; blooming in early to mid-summer.
Flowers: white; camellia-like; five petals; prominent golden-yellow stamens, ± 7 cm in diameter; slight fragrance; delicate appearance.
Bark: smooth; exfoliating; patchwork of gray, orange, and reddish-brown, adding winter interest.
Pollination: by bees, other insects.