Two species of Camellia are commonly grown in American gardens. They are Camellia japonica and Camellia sasanqua. There are countless varieties of each. Among the many other species, this one is of great economic importance as the source of tea. It is one of the hardier species. It produces 1" white flowers in late fall often followed by 3/4" capsules containing the seed. Young tender leaves specially processed yield the tea of commerce. Camellias are best in semi-shade in sandy slightly acid soil which is kept mulched and watered but Tea is grown commercially in full sun. It is native to China.