Camellia japonica

Camellia japonica, known as common camellia, or Japanese camellia, is a species of Camellia, a flowering plant genus in the family Theaceae. There are thousands of cultivars of C. japonica in cultivation, with many colors and forms of flowers. It is native to China, Japan. The cultivation of Camellia japonica started in China. Its widespread cultivation can be traced back to the Song Dynasty, when 15 varieties of Camellia japonica were recorded in literature. It grows in forests, at altitudes of around 300–1,100 metres (980–3,600 ft). The leaves of this species are rich in anti-inflammatory terpenoids such as lupeol and squalene.