Kingdom Plantae Family Theaceae Scientific name Stewartia ovata Rank Species | Order Ericales Genus Stewartia Higher classification Stewartia | |
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Similar Stewartia, Stewartia malacodendron, Theaceae, Stewartia sinensis, Stewartia pseudocamellia | ||
Stewartia ovata, known commonly as mountain camellia, is a small tree native to low to mid-elevations in the southern Appalachian Mountains and nearby regions from Mississippi to Virginia. It is a member of the Theaceae, the tea family.
Although not endangered, the plant does have a limited range and is uncommon throughout its range. Mountain camellia grows in the understory of predominately hardwood forests and tends to be found near streams, usually at elevations below 800 m (2,500 feet).
Description
Stewartia ovata is a deciduous flowering shrub or small tree growing to 5 meters (16 2/3 feet) tall, with smooth, flaking grayish-orange bark. The leaves are oval with an acute apex, 7–13 cm (2.8-5.2 inches) long and 3–6 cm (1.2-2.4 inches) broad, and turn orange, red, or gold when the tree becomes dormant in the fall. The flowers are camellia-like, 6–12 cm (2.4-4.8 inches) in diameter, with five white petals and numerous white, yellow or purple stamens; they appear in early to mid-summer.
There are two varieties:
