Camellia Glossary

	Glossary
	Various terms as they relate to camellias
(c) 2004 Mississippi Gulf Coast Camellia Society
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ACS Abbreviation for the American Camellia Society

Air Layer A method of camellia propagation.

Anemone Form A camellia flower form said to resemble the sea anemone. Much like a peony form, but with one or more rows of large guard petals framing the central peony.

Approach Graft See In arching

Balled and Burlaped (B&B) A method of holding the root ball of plant together prior to sale or transplanting. Burlap was once only available as a natural fiber that rotted when planted and thus could be left around the root ball. Now a days a synthetic burlap is often used that MUST be removed when planting.

Berlese Early nineteenth century French author of several works on camellias.

Bull Nose A term for camellia blossoms that open only partially, especially of late blooming varieties.

Callus The healing over of the cambium layer after wounding.

Cambium Layer A layer immediately below the bark of a plant from which annual growth occurs. (For all practical purposes it is the green layer beneath the bark.)

Camellia A genius of plants originating in the far east. There are over 200 species of camellia including the famous tea plant. Common garden varieties include the Camellia japonica, Camellia sasanqua, and Camellia reticulata.

Camellia Culture The care and propagation of camellias. Title of important book published in 1958 by the Southern California Camellia Society Inc and edited by E. C. Tourje

Camellia Nomenclature A listing of registered camellias for the English speaking world. Updated approximately every 3 years.

Camellia Yearbook An annual publication of the American Camellia Society. First published in 1947.

Canker A sore or lesion on the trunk or stem of a canter. Possible sign of dieback.

Cion See scion.

Cleft Graft The most common form of camellia grafting. See link.

Cultivar A cultivated variety.

Cuttings A method of camellia propagation.

Cygon Pesticide used to treat scale in camellias

Dieback A very serious fungal disease causing the dieback of individual branches and possibly the death of the tree.

Disbudding The selective removal of unopened blooms early in the season to encourage large flowers from the remaining blooms. Nurseries may completely disbud a plant to discourage petal blight.

Early Blooming A bloom that typically opens before January. See list.

Formal Double Form A camellia bloom with many rows of petals, arranged in a imbricated fashion with stamen never showing. E.g. Pink Perfection. See list.

George Joseph Kamel (1661-1706) Botanist working in Philippines from whose latinized name the botanical name Camellia is derived.

Gibb Short hand for Gibberellic Acid

Gibberellic Acid Plant hormone available though camellia societies and other sources that has the effect of accelerating the normal bloom date of a camellia blossom, and typically causing it to bloom larger.

Girdling The removal of a ring of bark and cambium layer from the camellia in preparation for air layering.

Grafting A method of propagation. See link.

Higo A sub species of Camellia Japonica.

Hybrid In the camellia world a plant resulting from the cross between two different species or other hybrids. Such as a cross between a Camellia japonica and C. reticulata.

In-Arching A grafting technique where a scion is not taken. Instead two adjacent plants are wounded to expose the cambium and tied together at the wound and allowed to fuse. Later one plant will be cut away below the union, leaving an graft.

Ironite A product sold in garden centers that provides iron to plants. Useful as a fertilizer supplement to camellias.

Japonica The most popular species of garden variety camellia. Named after Japan, but just as likely originating in China.

Large Bloom Blooms over 4 inches to 5 inches

Late Blooming A bloom that typically opens in March or later

Leaf Bud Propagation A propagation method in which a single leaf & growth bud of the camellia is used.

Malathon Pesticide used to treat spider mite in camellias

Medium Bloom Blooms over 3 inches to 4 inches

Miniature Bloom Blooms of 2 1/2 inches or less. See list

Mulch A protective layer of leaves, or other matter around the base of the plant.

Non-Retic Hybrids In camellia classification a cross between two camellia species (e.g. japonica and sasanqua) neither of which are a Camellia reticulata or reticulata hybrid.

Nuccio California nursery famous for the many cultivars of camellia it has introduced.

Peat Moss A common soil amendment of decayed sphagnum. See also sphagnum.

Peony Form A camellia bloom which superficially resembles certain forms of a peony. Characterized by a hemispherical flower shape and the seemingly haphazard intermixing of petals, petaloids, and (if present stamen). E.g.. Debutante, Professor Sargent. See discussion

Perlite A man-made soil amendment used to improve drainage in potting mixes.

Petal The showy part of a camellia blossom.

Petal Blight A fungal disease causing brown splotches on camellia blooms. (Otherwise harmless)

Petaloid A petal-like flower part derived from a stamen. Common in the peony bloom form.

pH Symbol for the measure of soil acidity or alkalinity. Plants often have a particular pH range in which they best take up nutrients. Camellias seem to perform best in a pH of 6.0-6.5, a slightly acid soil.

Protected Camellia Show term for a plant grown in a green-house, lath house or under other man-made protection

Reticulata Camellia reticulata is species of camellia appreciated for its large blooms. Not as cold-hardy as other garden varieties, but often crossed with other species to form cold hardy hybrids. Reticulata refers to the veining in the leaves.

Root Ball The roots and surrounding soil of a plant that has been dug up or container grown.

Root Prune Technique of cutting roots (as if to dig up) usually in preparation for an eventual transplant, or to encourage blooming.

Rootstock In a graft, the plant that will provided the roots.

Rose Form Double Form A camellia bloom that is similar to the formal double in definition, except that this bloom has stamens when open, and the petals tend to roll-back when fully open causing it to resembles some of the older roses.

Sasanqua A fall blooming Camellia species (named for a particular variety found in China and used as a tea flavoring). Appreciated for its mass of blooms, but usually not so much for the quality of any particular bloom.

Scale A common camellia leaf problem caused by insects feeding on the camellia's under-leaf.

Scion A piece of branch cutting of a desired cultivar used in grafting.

Semidouble Form A camellia bloom with two or more rows of petals and conspicuous stamens. Rarely if ever showing petaloids. See discussion.

Show Camellia shows are held throughout the bloom season and are an opportunity to see hundreds if not thousands of blooms.

Single Form A camellia bloom with one row of not over eight petals and conspicuous stamens. See discussion.

Sinensis Camellia sinensis is the tea plant of China, now grown in India and elsewhere. Blooms have a Dutch clover fragrance.

Small Bloom Blooms over 2 1/2 to 3 inches

Species Camellias Naturally occurring populations that have developed similar characteristics through eons of cross pollination. The principal garden species include the Japonica, Sasanqua, and (were adequately protected) the Reticulata.

Sphagnum Peat

Sport In the context of camellias typically a bloom with unexpected characteristics Such as a red bloom occurring on an otherwise pink bush.

Systemic Typically refers to fungicides and pesticides that work by moving through the plants vascular system, rather than by direct contact.

Transpiration The loss of water from a plant through the leaves etc.

Treated Treated camellia show term for blooms treated with gibberellic acid.

Tsubaki The Japanese name for the camellia.

Understock See rootstock.

Unprotected Camellia Show term for a plant grown in the open as opposed to in a greenhouse etc.

Variegated Bloom A bloom with an intermix of white and another color. Variegated varieties most commonly due to the presence of an intentionally induced virus, but may be genetic.

Very Large Bloom Blooms over 5 inches. See list.

Waxing Blooms A technique of dipping camellia blooms in a warm solution of paraffin and mineral oil. The encased bloom resembles a glazed doughnut but last weeks.

Workshop Many camellia societies hold a workshop during grafting season at which grafts are made, and talks on camellia culture given.

Wounding The cutting away of bark to reveal the cambium layer. Often done in air layering and cutting propagation.

ACS	Abbreviation for the American Camellia Society
Air Layer	A method of camellia propagation.
Anemone Form	A camellia flower form said to resemble the sea anemone. Much like a peony form, but with one or more rows of large guard petals framing the central peony.
Approach Graft	See In arching
Balled and Burlaped (B&B)	A method of holding the root ball of plant together prior to sale or transplanting. Burlap was once only available as a natural fiber that rotted when planted and thus could be left around the root ball. Now a days a synthetic burlap is often used that MUST be removed when planting.
Berlese	Early nineteenth century French author of several works on camellias.
Bull Nose	A term for camellia blossoms that open only partially, especially of late blooming varieties.
Callus	The healing over of the cambium layer after wounding.
Cambium Layer	A layer immediately below the bark of a plant from which annual growth occurs. (For all practical purposes it is the green layer beneath the bark.)
Camellia	A genius of plants originating in the far east. There are over 200 species of camellia including the famous tea plant. Common garden varieties include the Camellia japonica, Camellia sasanqua, and Camellia reticulata.
Camellia Culture	The care and propagation of camellias. Title of important book published in 1958 by the Southern California Camellia Society Inc and edited by E. C. Tourje
Camellia Nomenclature	A listing of registered camellias for the English speaking world. Updated approximately every 3 years.
Camellia Yearbook	An annual publication of the American Camellia Society. First published in 1947.
Canker	A sore or lesion on the trunk or stem of a canter. Possible sign of dieback.
Cion	See scion.
Cleft Graft	The most common form of camellia grafting. See link.
Cultivar	A cultivated variety.
Cuttings	A method of camellia propagation.
Cygon	Pesticide used to treat scale in camellias
Dieback	A very serious fungal disease causing the dieback of individual branches and possibly the death of the tree.
Disbudding	The selective removal of unopened blooms early in the season to encourage large flowers from the remaining blooms. Nurseries may completely disbud a plant to discourage petal blight.
Early Blooming	A bloom that typically opens before January. See list.
Formal Double Form	A camellia bloom with many rows of petals, arranged in a imbricated fashion with stamen never showing. E.g. Pink Perfection. See list.
George Joseph Kamel (1661-1706)	Botanist working in Philippines from whose latinized name the botanical name Camellia is derived.
Gibb	Short hand for Gibberellic Acid
Gibberellic Acid	Plant hormone available though camellia societies and other sources that has the effect of accelerating the normal bloom date of a camellia blossom, and typically causing it to bloom larger.
Girdling	The removal of a ring of bark and cambium layer from the camellia in preparation for air layering.
Grafting	A method of propagation. See link.
Higo	A sub species of Camellia Japonica.
Hybrid	In the camellia world a plant resulting from the cross between two different species or other hybrids. Such as a cross between a Camellia japonica and C. reticulata.
In-Arching	A grafting technique where a scion is not taken. Instead two adjacent plants are wounded to expose the cambium and tied together at the wound and allowed to fuse. Later one plant will be cut away below the union, leaving an graft.
Ironite	A product sold in garden centers that provides iron to plants. Useful as a fertilizer supplement to camellias.
Japonica	The most popular species of garden variety camellia. Named after Japan, but just as likely originating in China.
Large Bloom	Blooms over 4 inches to 5 inches
Late Blooming	A bloom that typically opens in March or later
Leaf Bud Propagation	A propagation method in which a single leaf & growth bud of the camellia is used.
Malathon	Pesticide used to treat spider mite in camellias
Medium Bloom	Blooms over 3 inches to 4 inches
Miniature Bloom	Blooms of 2 1/2 inches or less. See list
Mulch	A protective layer of leaves, or other matter around the base of the plant.
Non-Retic Hybrids	In camellia classification a cross between two camellia species (e.g. japonica and sasanqua) neither of which are a Camellia reticulata or reticulata hybrid.
Nuccio	California nursery famous for the many cultivars of camellia it has introduced.
Peat Moss	A common soil amendment of decayed sphagnum. See also sphagnum.
Peony Form	A camellia bloom which superficially resembles certain forms of a peony. Characterized by a hemispherical flower shape and the seemingly haphazard intermixing of petals, petaloids, and (if present stamen). E.g.. Debutante, Professor Sargent. See discussion
Perlite	A man-made soil amendment used to improve drainage in potting mixes.
Petal	The showy part of a camellia blossom.
Petal Blight	A fungal disease causing brown splotches on camellia blooms. (Otherwise harmless)
Petaloid	A petal-like flower part derived from a stamen. Common in the peony bloom form.
pH	Symbol for the measure of soil acidity or alkalinity. Plants often have a particular pH range in which they best take up nutrients. Camellias seem to perform best in a pH of 6.0-6.5, a slightly acid soil.
Protected	Camellia Show term for a plant grown in a green-house, lath house or under other man-made protection
Reticulata	Camellia reticulata is species of camellia appreciated for its large blooms. Not as cold-hardy as other garden varieties, but often crossed with other species to form cold hardy hybrids. Reticulata refers to the veining in the leaves.
Root Ball	The roots and surrounding soil of a plant that has been dug up or container grown.
Root Prune	Technique of cutting roots (as if to dig up) usually in preparation for an eventual transplant, or to encourage blooming.
Rootstock	In a graft, the plant that will provided the roots.
Rose Form Double Form	A camellia bloom that is similar to the formal double in definition, except that this bloom has stamens when open, and the petals tend to roll-back when fully open causing it to resembles some of the older roses.
Sasanqua	A fall blooming Camellia species (named for a particular variety found in China and used as a tea flavoring). Appreciated for its mass of blooms, but usually not so much for the quality of any particular bloom.
Scale	A common camellia leaf problem caused by insects feeding on the camellia's under-leaf.
Scion	A piece of branch cutting of a desired cultivar used in grafting.
Semidouble Form	A camellia bloom with two or more rows of petals and conspicuous stamens. Rarely if ever showing petaloids. See discussion.
Show	Camellia shows are held throughout the bloom season and are an opportunity to see hundreds if not thousands of blooms.
Single Form	A camellia bloom with one row of not over eight petals and conspicuous stamens. See discussion.
Sinensis	Camellia sinensis is the tea plant of China, now grown in India and elsewhere. Blooms have a Dutch clover fragrance.
Small Bloom	Blooms over 2 1/2 to 3 inches
Species Camellias	Naturally occurring populations that have developed similar characteristics through eons of cross pollination. The principal garden species include the Japonica, Sasanqua, and (were adequately protected) the Reticulata.
Sphagnum Peat
Sport	In the context of camellias typically a bloom with unexpected characteristics Such as a red bloom occurring on an otherwise pink bush.
Systemic	Typically refers to fungicides and pesticides that work by moving through the plants vascular system, rather than by direct contact.
Transpiration	The loss of water from a plant through the leaves etc.
Treated	Treated camellia show term for blooms treated with gibberellic acid.
Tsubaki	The Japanese name for the camellia.
Understock	See rootstock.
Unprotected	Camellia Show term for a plant grown in the open as opposed to in a greenhouse etc.
Variegated Bloom	A bloom with an intermix of white and another color. Variegated varieties most commonly due to the presence of an intentionally induced virus, but may be genetic.
Very Large Bloom	Blooms over 5 inches. See list.
Waxing Blooms	A technique of dipping camellia blooms in a warm solution of paraffin and mineral oil. The encased bloom resembles a glazed doughnut but last weeks.
Workshop	Many camellia societies hold a workshop during grafting season at which grafts are made, and talks on camellia culture given.
Wounding	The cutting away of bark to reveal the cambium layer. Often done in air layering and cutting propagation.