Camellias are a genus of flowering plants from the family Theaceae.
The genus consists of many species, including the popular sasanquas and japonicas, C.sinensis from which all tea is made and C.nitidissima, the famous golden camellia.
Native to Asia, camellia species can now be found the world over where they are admired for their spectacular flowers which can vary dramatically between varieties. Originating in the old Japanese province of Higo, the Higo camellia is in fact not a separate species but a distinct group of cultivars belonging to camellia japonica – the defining trait of which are their prominent yellow stamens often numbering greater than 200, and their single form blooms. Also prized as bonsai specimens in their native Japan, Higos are equally at home in the garden and can be grown in the landscape like a typical japonica.