Camellias

Camellia, or Camellia L. is a genus of plants in the Theaceae family that produces the flowers known as camellia, cameleira, and in some regions of Portugal, also known as japoneira. Camellias are shrubs and small trees with bright, evergreen leaves and flowers that bloom between autumn and spring.

In Latin, camellia means “priest's helper” and was named after the Jesuit botanist Georg Joseph Kamel who practiced pharmaceutical botany in the late 17th century. He is known for his work in the Philippines, where he lived for over 20 years dedicating his life to discovering new treatments from native plant sources. Although there is no record of Kamel working with camellias, the flower was named in his honor by Carl Linnaeus to honor the Jesuit for his many contributions to the world of pharmacy.