Does Golden Camellia cultivation technology have any side effects?
Golden Camellia, this plant is super beautiful, it is going to bloom, and the bloom is also super beautiful. What is this Golden Camellia cultivation technology like? Does Golden Camellia have side effects: Golden Camellia cultivation technology: 1. Create a suitable environment. Golden Camellia likes to grow in a semi-shaded, semi-cool, and humid environment, and needs regular ventilation.
Golden Camellia, this plant is super beautiful, it is going to bloom, and the bloom is also super beautiful. What is this Golden Camellia cultivation technology like? Does Golden Camellia have side effects:
Golden Camellia cultivation technology:
1. Create a suitable environment. Golden Camellia likes to grow in a semi-shaded, semi-cool, and humid environment, and needs regular ventilation, especially in the north. In the glass greenhouse, in addition to being equipped with a heating boiler and radiator, self-made atomizers, exhaust fans and other facilities were also installed.
2. Use pine needle soil mixed in proportion, gradually removing the “yellow mud ” brought from the south.
3. The water used for watering flowers must be mixed with 1% ferrous sulfate each time, so that the water always maintains a certain weak acidity.
4. In addition to a well-ventilated environment, it also needs regular “physical exercise”; blow wind once every 2 weeks, and the wind force must be even when blowing. The purpose is to promote balanced metabolism and normal development through “exercise”.
5. Control the temperature. The temperature difference should be between 7°C and 10°C. When the greenhouse temperature is 20°C, lower the shade cloth after four or five hours, and then ventilate.
6. Fertilization. One is diluted sour milk, which can be used directly without fermentation. The other traditional method is fermented soybean cake water. Fertilize once a month.
Does flower tea have side effects:
1. Drinking Golden Camellia tea can only take in the water-soluble substances of the tea leaves, and water-soluble substances account for only 40% of the dry weight of the tea leaves. The remaining 60% is discarded as useless tea dregs. These discarded tea dregs actually still contain very good nutrients, such as crude fiber, trace elements, minerals, and fat-soluble vitamins in tea, etc. Using tea in meals effectively solves the waste of effective components in tea leaves, and also has the dual effects of dietary supplement and medicinal therapy.
2. Golden Camellia is very rich in nutrients, and most people can eat it. There are basically no taboos.
That is all for the introduction to Golden Camellia cultivation technology. This Golden Camellia has no side effects.
The efficacy and effects of Golden Camellia. The specific value of Golden Camellia.
Golden Camellia is called the magical Oriental magic tea abroad, and is praised as the “giant panda of the plant kingdom” and the “queen of the tea family.” In this article, the editor will share with you the efficacy and effects of Golden Camellia and the specific value of Golden Camellia.
Medicinal value
According to tests by authoritative institutions such as the Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Health Supervision and Inspection Center, the Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety of the Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Analysis and Testing Research Center, Guangxi College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the Experimental Center of Guangxi Agricultural College: Golden Camellia is non-toxic, contains more than 400 nutrients, and has no toxic side effects. It is rich in a variety of natural nutritional components such as tea polysaccharides, tea polyphenols, total saponins, total flavonoids, tea pigments, caffeine, protein, vitamin B1, B2, vitamin C, vitamin E, folic acid, fatty acids, and B-carotene; Golden Camellia contains dozens of amino acids such as theanine and threonine, as well as trace elements such as natural organic germanium (Ge), selenium (Se), molybdenum (Mo), zinc (Zn), and vanadium (V), which have important health benefits for the human body, and macro elements such as potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg).
The efficacy and effects of Golden Camellia:
Golden Camellia has obvious effects in lowering blood sugar and urine sugar, and can effectively improve the “three highs” symptoms of diabetes. While effectively lowering blood sugar and blood pressure, Golden Camellia can effectively lower blood lipids, improve various uncomfortable symptoms caused by high blood pressure, reduce serum cholesterol and B-lipoprotein, promote insulin secretion, enhance immunity, regulate blood flow, prevent atherosclerosis, resist bacteria and reduce inflammation, clear heat and detoxify, relieve constipation and urination and remove dampness, enhance liver metabolism, prevent cancer and inhibit tumor growth, etc.
Golden Camellia has unique and magical effects on lowering blood sugar, blood pressure, blood lipids, and cholesterol, and has a synergistic and balanced regulatory effect on diabetes and its complications.
Ornamental value
The discovery of Golden Camellia filled the gap that the tea family had no golden-yellow flowers. Its waxy green leaves are crystal clear and glossy, the petals are transparent, firm, bright and smooth, and spotless; the flower buds are round, flowing with golden radiance; the petals overlap densely, bright and beautiful, dotted among jade-like leaves and beautiful branches, graceful and elegant, with golden petals and jade stamens, beautiful and pleasant, pleasing to the eye, and its ornamental value is unparalleled.
Golden Camellia cultivation
Scientific research value
Golden Camellia has a special color genetic gene DNA, and its reproduction is difficult to replicate. Using high technology to solve the survival genes of various excellent Golden Camellia seedlings for rapid propagation, and overcome the difficult problem of very low survival; break through the key technology of slow growth and low yield of Golden Camellia, and greatly increase the yield of large-scale Golden Camellia cultivation; deeply develop a new generation of world-class medical and health products from Golden Camellia to benefit human health, all have very important scientific research value.
Economic value
The economic value of Golden Camellia is extremely high. First, the price for flower appreciation is high. A Golden Camellia bonsai 1-1.5 m tall with a good shape costs 8000 yuan; about 2 m tall, the price ranges from 26,000 yuan to tens of thousands of yuan; Japan once wanted to buy Chinese Golden Camellia at 25,000 US dollars per plant. Second, the added value of Golden Camellia is extremely high. Products produced through industrialized deep processing are recognized and favored by consumers, and prices have risen steadily, especially the price of flower tea is considerable, trending toward supply falling short of demand.
That is all for sharing the efficacy and effects of Golden Camellia and the nutritional value of Golden Camellia. Golden Camellia is solitary in the leaf axils. When it blooms, the flowers are cup-shaped, pot-shaped, or bowl-shaped, charming and graceful, beautiful and elegant.
Golden Camellia Camellia nitidissima C. W. Chi Golden Camellia illustrated guide: How to grow Golden Camellia / How to propagate Golden Camellia
Golden Camellia profileGolden Camellia Camellia nitidissima C. W. Chi
Golden Camellia cultivation methods and precautions. Introduction to Golden Camellia.
Golden Camellia is a traditional famous flower native to China, and also a precious ornamental plant worldwide. It is a rare flower and tree under national first-class protection. It is distributed in Guangxi and other places, and generally grows in mountain evergreen forests on non-calcareous soil. In addition to high ornamental value, it can also be used to treat diseases.
Golden Camellia belongs to the Theaceae family and Camellia genus, and is a twin sister to tea, camellia, Nanshan tea, oil tea, and tea plum. The flowers of Golden Camellia are golden yellow, dazzling, as if coated with a layer of wax, crystal clear and oily, with a somewhat translucent feeling. Golden Camellia is solitary in the leaf axils. When it blooms, the flowers are cup-shaped, pot-shaped, or bowl-shaped, charming and graceful, beautiful and elegant. Previously, people had never seen a species with golden-yellow flower color. In 1960, Chinese scientific workers first discovered a golden-yellow camellia in the Nanning area of Guangxi, and named it Golden Camellia. Abroad, it is called the magical Oriental magic tea, and is praised as the “giant panda of the plant kingdom” and the “queen of the tea family.”
Morphological characteristics of Golden Camellia
Shrub, 2-3 m tall, young branches hairless. Leaves leathery, oblong or lanceolate, or oblanceolate, 11-16 cm long, 2.5-4.5 cm wide, apex caudate-acuminate, base cuneate, dark green and shiny above, hairless, light green below, hairless, with black glandular dots, midrib and 7 pairs of lateral veins, sunken above, raised below, margin finely serrate, teeth 1-2 mm apart, petiole 7-11 mm long, hairless.
Flowers yellow, axillary, solitary, pedicel 7-10 mm long; bracts 5, scattered, broadly ovate, 2-3 mm long, 3-5 mm wide, persistent; sepals 5, ovate to round, 4-8 mm long, 7-8 mm wide, slightly connate at base, apex rounded, slightly puberulent on the back; petals 8-12, suborbicular, 1.5-3 cm long, 1.2-2 cm wide, slightly connate at base, margin ciliate; stamens in 4 whorls, outer whorl slightly connate with petals, filaments nearly free or slightly united, hairless, 1.2 cm long; ovary hairless, 3-4 locular, styles 3-4, hairless, 1.8 cm long.
Capsule oblate triangular-globose, 3.5 cm long, 4.5 cm wide, dehiscing into 3 valves, valve 4-7 mm thick, axis 3-4-angled, apex 3-4-cleft; fruiting pedicel 1 cm long, with persistent bracts and sepals; seeds 6-8, about 2 cm long. Flowering period November-December.
Evergreen shrub or small tree, 2-6 m tall, bark light yellow, smooth. Leaves alternate, broadly lanceolate to long elliptic. Flowers solitary in leaf axils or nearly terminal, golden yellow, petals fleshy, waxy glossy, cup-shaped, pot-shaped, or bowl-shaped when open, 3-6 cm in diameter; petals 9-11, broadly ovate to obovate or oblong, fleshy, waxy glossy; flowering period November to March of the following year. Capsule triangular-oblate globose, containing 6-8 seeds, seed coat dark brown, yellow-green, or purple-brown; fruiting period October-December.
Ecological habits of Golden Camellia
Golden Camellia likes a warm and humid climate and likes well-drained acidic soil. It can grow in slightly acidic to neutral soil. It mostly grows in shady slopes and stream gullies with loose soil and good drainage. During the seedling stage it likes shade, and after entering the flowering period it quite likes transmitted sunlight. It has no strict requirements for soil and can grow in slightly acidic to neutral soil. It is tolerant of poor soil, and also likes fertilizer. It has strong waterlogging tolerance. It often lives together with plants such as Gnetum montanum, Acacia pennata, Byttneria aspera, Phoebe zhennan, and Liriodendron chinense.
Environmental requirements
Golden Camellia is a heat-loving plant and a tree species with tropical characteristics. It has relatively high heat requirements, but there are certain differences among species and at different growth stages. When introduced to a mid-subtropical climate, it can still grow and develop normally. Golden Camellia has the characteristic of liking moisture and humidity. Different species and different growth periods have different requirements for water and humidity conditions. During the vegetative growth period, the requirements are relatively high, while too much rain during the flowering period can easily cause flower drop. Golden Camellia cannot endure direct sunlight. It is a shade-loving and shade-tolerant plant, and the required light intensity is generally 320-600 Lux, but there are differences among species. Under different light conditions, plant growth, fruiting ability, and regeneration capacity are positively correlated with shade degree.
Distribution area of Golden Camellia
Distributed in Vietnam and in mainland China's Guangxi and other places, generally growing in mountain evergreen forests on non-calcareous soil. It has not yet been introduced and cultivated artificially.
Golden Camellia is an ancient plant, extremely rare, with an extremely narrow distribution. 90% of the world's wild Golden Camellia is distributed only in the Lanshan branch area of the Shiwandashan Mountains in Fangchenggang City, Guangxi, China, growing below 700 m above sea level, and is more common in the range between 200-500 m above sea level. The lower limit of vertical distribution is about 20 m above sea level. For example, Golden Camellia is still distributed on coastal hilly platforms near Dawangjiang in Fangcheng County. The upper limit of vertical distribution can reach 890 m above sea level. For example, individual small-petal Golden Camellia can still be seen in Natao Mountain in Ningming County, with extremely few in number. It is a rare and precious plant in the world.
Dietary or medicinal value of Golden Camellia
The medical information and health dietary information on Huhua.com are for reference only and cannot be used as a basis for diagnosis or medical treatment. Any health problems should be consulted with professional medical staff, and the treatment of any disease should follow medical advice.
Ultimate flower-protecting task: To love yourself, start from reality and follow medical advice. For illness, do not be careless, do not delay, do not give up hope, face it bravely, use love to warm the silent world, and use your heart to care for the flower field within.
The medical content on Huhua.com is for reference only and cannot be regarded as professional advice. Any health problems should be consulted with professional medical staff. Medicinal value
According to tests by authoritative institutions such as the Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Health Supervision and Inspection Center, the Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety of the Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Analysis and Testing Research Center, Guangxi College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the Experimental Center of Guangxi Agricultural College: Golden Camellia is non-toxic, contains more than 400 nutrients, and has no toxic side effects. It is rich in a variety of natural nutritional components such as tea polysaccharides, tea polyphenols, total saponins, total flavonoids, tea pigments, caffeine, protein, vitamin B1, B2, vitamin C, vitamin E, folic acid, fatty acids, and B-carotene; Golden Camellia contains dozens of amino acids such as theanine and threonine, as well as trace elements such as natural organic germanium (Ge), selenium (Se), molybdenum (Mo), zinc (Zn), and vanadium (V), which have important health benefits for the human body, and macro elements such as potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg). Its main functional components and effects are as follows:
Tea polysaccharides: Golden Camellia is rich in polysaccharide substances. Polysaccharides can effectively control the rise in postprandial blood sugar and improve glucose tolerance, and can improve lipid metabolism disorders, with an obvious blood sugar-lowering effect.
Tea polyphenols: Golden Camellia is rich in tea polyphenols. Tea polyphenols can scavenge free radicals and can reduce the rise in DM blood sugar, thereby improving glucose tolerance and stabilizing blood sugar.
Total saponins: The saponin content of Golden Camellia is 6300 mg/kg, which strengthens the heart, relaxes blood vessels and resists fatigue, slows heart rate and has a biphasic blood pressure effect, promotes the biosynthesis of DNA, protein, and lipids, quenches thirst and promotes salivation, drains pus and reduces swelling, soothes the throat and relieves pain, relieves fever and pain, etc.
Total flavonoids: The total flavonoid content of Golden Camellia is 4400 mg/kg. It dilates coronary vessels, lowers high blood pressure, enhances heart contraction, reduces the number of heartbeats, quenches thirst and resolves phlegm, resists bacteria and reduces inflammation, resists capillary fragility and abnormal permeability, resists tumors, protects the liver and promotes bile flow, purges, relieves spasms, has follicle hormone-like effects, relieves fever and pain, lowers cholesterol, promotes urination, etc.
Tea pigments: Golden Camellia is rich in tea pigments, lowers blood sugar, urine sugar, blood lipids, and glycated hemoglobin, reduces insulin resistance, improves blood rheology, and alleviates microcirculation disorders. It lowers cholesterol and triglycerides and increases high-density lipoprotein, and has preventive and therapeutic effects on DM complications such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and atherosclerosis.
Selenium (Se): Golden Camellia contains selenium. Selenium is a component of glutathione peroxidase in human red blood cells. It has antioxidant effects and protects cell membranes and the cardiovascular system. Chinese scientists have also found that selenium is an effective drug for treating Keshan disease and Kashin-Beck disease. In addition, selenium also has a detoxifying function, reduces the toxicity of aflatoxin B1, has a detoxifying effect on certain chemical carcinogens, and can also reduce toxin damage to liver cells.
Germanium (Ge): Golden Camellia contains germanium. This can lower the bioelectric potential of cancer cells, change their physiological state, inhibit the proliferation and growth of cancer cells, and can also induce interferon, an anti-cancer substance in the human body, and can induce macrophages to become anti-cancer cells, so some people use germanium to treat cancer. In addition, germanium also has obvious therapeutic effects on vascular sclerosis, cerebral thrombosis, cerebral hemorrhage, kidney and liver diseases, stomach diseases, diabetes, arthritis, and chronic neuralgia.
Zinc (Zn): The zinc content of Golden Camellia is 283 mg/kg, with a high zinc content. Zinc is related to active enzymes in the human body. For example, carboxypeptidase is an important enzyme that promotes protein hydrolysis in the intestinal tract, and this enzyme contains zinc. Zinc can increase appetite, promote growth and development, promote tissue regeneration, enhance sexual function, enhance immune function, enhance resistance, and also protect vision.
Vanadium (V): Related to the metabolism of lipids and cholesterol. It can promote hematopoietic function and significantly reduce plasma cholesterol. Vanadium-deficient animals have increased serum triglycerides and increased cholesterol content. Studies show that: serum total cholesterol and beta-lipoprotein in the Golden Camellia group were significantly lower than those in the high-fat animal control group; serum total cholesterol: the Golden Camellia group decreased by 35% compared with the high-fat group; the clofibrate group decreased by 33.2% compared with the high-fat group; beta-lipoprotein: the Golden Camellia group decreased by 36.6% compared with the high-fat group; the clofibrate group decreased by 23% compared with the high-fat group (clofibrate is a worldwide recognized cholesterol-lowering and blood lipid-lowering drug).
Manganese (Mn): The content is relatively high. It is an essential trace element for the human body and participates in various enzymatic reactions. It can improve lipid metabolism in patients with atherosclerosis. Prevent atherosclerosis. The incidence of arteriosclerosis in the American population is relatively high, and the concentrations of Mn, Cr, and Cu in their aorta are lower than those in Asians and Africans, who have lower incidence rates of arteriosclerosis and coronary heart disease.
Potassium (K): Can maintain intracellular osmotic pressure, maintain normal heart contraction, etc.
Vitamin B1: Golden Camellia is rich in vitamin B1, which has therapeutic effects on preventing glucose metabolism disorders and maintains the normal functions of the nervous system, digestive system, and heart.
Vitamin B2: Participates in the human body's redox reactions and maintains the normal mechanism of the retina.
Vitamin C: Golden Camellia is rich in vitamin C, which can maintain the normal toughness and permeability of capillaries, thereby enabling DM patients with originally fragile capillaries to restore their normal function by drinking tea.
Vitamin A: Has the effect of preventing night blindness and cataracts and resisting cancer.
The efficacy of Golden Camellia:
1. Golden Camellia has obvious effects in lowering blood sugar and urine sugar, and can effectively improve the “three highs” symptoms of diabetes. While effectively lowering blood sugar and blood pressure, Golden Camellia can effectively lower blood lipids, improve various uncomfortable symptoms caused by high blood pressure, reduce serum cholesterol and B-lipoprotein, promote insulin secretion, enhance immunity, regulate blood flow, prevent atherosclerosis, resist bacteria and reduce inflammation, clear heat and detoxify, relieve constipation and urination and remove dampness, enhance liver metabolism, prevent cancer and inhibit tumor growth, etc.
2. Golden Camellia has unique and magical effects on lowering blood sugar, blood pressure, blood lipids, and cholesterol, and has a synergistic and balanced regulatory effect on diabetes and its complications.
Health benefits
1. Anti-cancer effect:
Selenium (Se): It can prevent the formation of free radicals. It can destroy the epoxides formed by carcinogens in the body. Na2SeO3 can inhibit DNA synthesis in rat liver cancer cells and reduce DNA synthesis in the human rectal adenocarcinoma cell line HR8348. Se can also selectively act on many biochemical metabolisms of tumor cells to achieve an anti-cancer effect.
Germanium (Ge): It is known that all human organs have their fixed electric potential. The electric potential of cancer cells is both high and changes violently. Ge may control and lower the electric potential of cancer cells through dehydrogenation.
Molybdenum (Mo): It has anti-chemical carcinogenesis effects against the carcinogenic effect of benzo(alpha)pyrene.
Tea polyphenols: Experts from the Japanese Cancer Association believe they can control the proliferation of cancer cells.
2. Effects of lowering cholesterol and ?lipoprotein:
M0: It can improve lipid metabolism in patients with atherosclerosis. Prevent experimental atherosclerosis.
Since the discovery of Golden Camellia, according to determinations by authoritative departments of modern medicine and related scientific research institutions: Golden Camellia is non-toxic, and is rich in trace elements such as germanium (Ge), selenium (Se), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), molybdenum (Mo), and vanadium (V), which have important health benefits for the human body. Golden Camellia leaves also contain various amino acids, tea polyphenols, saponins, flavonoids, and other beneficial components needed by the human body. In addition to being ornamental, its flowers can also be used as medicine, can treat bloody stool and excessive menstruation in women, and can also be used as edible dye. In addition to being brewed as a beverage, the leaves also have medicinal value.
Golden Camellia has obvious effects on regulating human blood lipids, blood sugar, and cholesterol, and enhancing body immunity. It can improve various uncomfortable symptoms caused by high blood pressure, and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, clears heat and detoxifies, promotes urination and reduces swelling, enhances liver and kidney vitality, prevents blood artery hardening, prevents cancer and inhibits tumor growth, etc. According to investigations, Golden Camellia has long been used among the people to refresh the mind, clear liver fire, relieve heat toxin, and nourish vitality. “A Brief Compilation of Guangxi Ethnic Medicines,” “Guangxi Standards for Chinese Medicinal Materials,” “Proceedings of the China Fangcheng International Academic Conference on Golden Camellia,” “Proceedings of the China Guangxi International Symposium on Golden Camellia,” “Chinese Zhuang Medicine,” and “Dictionary of Medicinal Plants” all contain pharmacological records of Golden Camellia.
The effects and uses of Golden Camellia. Ornamental value.
The discovery of Golden Camellia filled the gap that the tea family had no golden-yellow flowers. Its waxy green leaves are crystal clear and glossy, the petals are transparent, firm, bright and smooth, and spotless; the flower buds are round, flowing with golden radiance; the petals overlap densely, bright and beautiful, dotted among jade-like leaves and beautiful branches, graceful and elegant, with golden petals and jade stamens, beautiful and pleasant, pleasing to the eye, and its ornamental value is unparalleled.
Scientific research value
Golden Camellia has a special color genetic gene DNA, and its reproduction is difficult to replicate. Using high technology to solve the survival genes of various excellent Golden Camellia seedlings for rapid propagation, and overcome the difficult problem of very low survival; break through the key technology of slow growth and low yield of Golden Camellia, and greatly increase the yield of large-scale Golden Camellia cultivation; deeply develop a new generation of world-class medical and health products from Golden Camellia to benefit human health, all have very important scientific research value.
Economic value
The economic value of Golden Camellia is extremely high. First, the price for flower appreciation is high. A Golden Camellia bonsai 1-1.5 m tall with a good shape costs 8000 yuan; about 2 m tall, the price ranges from 26,000 yuan to tens of thousands of yuan; Japan once wanted to buy Chinese Golden Camellia at 25,000 US dollars per plant. Second, the added value of Golden Camellia is extremely high. Products produced through industrialized deep processing are recognized and favored by consumers, and prices have risen steadily, especially the price of flower tea is considerable, trending toward supply falling short of demand.
Propagation methods of Golden Camellia
It can be propagated by sowing, grafting, and cuttings. Seeds have a short lifespan and should be collected in time and sown immediately after collection. They can germinate in the same year, and 2-year-old seedlings can be transplanted in spring; cut immediately after collection, they can germinate in the same year, and 2-year-old seedlings can be transplanted in spring; seedling plants generally can bloom after 7-8 years.
For cuttings, current-year branches can be used. Spring is better for timing. Cuttings can be treated with naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) 50 ppm or 100 ppm for 20 hours.
Grafting is better in autumn. For air layering, moss is used as the substrate and kept moist. For tissue culture, cotyledons, hypocotyls, shoot tips, and other materials are used as explants. Using modified ER medium, complete plants can be obtained, and the survival rate after transplanting is high. Transplanting wild seedlings has a low survival rate and is not suitable.
The cultivation soil should be breathable and should not retain water. During the seedling stage, a shade shed must be set up. North of the Yangtze River basin, pot cultivation is suitable, and in winter it must be moved into a greenhouse.
Sowing propagation:Golden Camellia fruit generally matures in early to mid-October and dehisces in late October. After the seeds mature, there is no after-ripening dormant period. For seed propagation, autumn sowing is suitable. In early to mid-October, place the harvested fruit in a ventilated indoor area to dry in the shade. After the capsule dehisces and the seeds are taken out, sow immediately. If autumn sowing cannot be done, the seeds need to be stored in wet sand and sown in spring in February of the following year.
Cutting propagation:The suitable period for Golden Camellia cutting propagation is from April to early May, and it can also be done in mid- and late September. Select current-year semi-mature branches from the outer part of the crown that are full in tissue, have complete leaves, full leaf buds, and no pests or diseases. The cutting length is generally 15 cm, with 2 leaves retained at the tip and a heel at the base. After treating the branches with IBA 300 ppm for 5 hours, insert them into the seedbed at a spacing of 10-14 cm x 3-4 cm, with the cutting inserted about 3 cm deep into the soil. The key to the survival of tea cuttings is maintaining sufficient humidity in the early stage of seedling raising, avoiding direct sunlight, and controlling the temperature at about 25°C. Spray water frequently so that the seedlings are often covered with a thin film of water. After 1 month, when new roots grow, gradually increase sunlight to accelerate the lignification of the tea seedlings.
Grafting propagation:Golden Camellia grafting propagation is divided into bud seedling rootstock grafting and semi-mature branch grafting. Bud seedling rootstock grafting. Common single-petal camellia and oil tea camellia can be used as rootstocks. First sow the rootstock seeds in a sand bed. When the seedlings grow to 4-5 cm, they can be grafted. Before grafting, dig out the rootstock bud seedlings, clean off the sand grains, cut them short 1-1.5 cm above the cotyledons, and also cut off the root tip part, so that the total length is 6-7 cm; select well-growing semi-lignified branches as scions, cut them into wedge shapes, and place them in a wet towel to keep moist. When grafting, split the stem lengthwise along the cotyledon suture line of the bud seedling with one cut, with the depth consistent with the cut surface of the scion. Quickly insert the prepared scion into the split opening of the rootstock, align the cambium on one side of the rootstock and scion, and tie it tightly with a plastic film band. Then plant the grafted seedlings in a fertile, loose sandy soil seedbed at a spacing of 8 x 2 cm. After planting, build a shed over the seedbed and use plastic film for heat preservation. Generally, the graft union begins to heal in 10-15 days, and the film can be uncovered at night after about 20-25 days. After that, gradually increase ventilation and light. After new buds sprout, remove all the film.
Semi-mature branch grafting. Usually, adult seedlings of coarse camellia or oil tea are used as rootstocks. For rootstock branches with a diameter of more than 1 cm, use bark grafting, that is, at an appropriate part of the rootstock, make one cut each on the top, left, and right, reaching the xylem, and pull down the bark, attach the scion to the inner side of the pulled bark of the rootstock, then pull the bark up to wrap the scion, bind it with a plastic band, expose the bud tip, and cover it with a plastic bag to keep moist. After 1 month, when the scion sends out new branches and gradually lignifies, remove the binding. If the thickness of the rootstock is similar to that of the scion, the side grafting method is suitable. The success of semi-mature branch grafting mainly depends on the control of seedbed temperature and the selection of grafting time. The suitable grafting temperature is 25-30°C, and the suitable grafting period is May-August. At this time, the rootstock bark is easy to pull open, the graft union heals quickly, and the survival rate is high.
Tissue culture:Golden Camellia embryo culture, cotyledon in vitro culture, shoot tip and single bud culture have been successful. Research results show that the induction of bud formation and rooting in test-tube plantlets is related to factors such as the position of the material taken, inorganic salt concentration, vitamins, sucrose, growth regulators, and light. Embryo culture. Take embryos during the immature stage of young fruit. Based on ER and MS media, add 0.5-1 mg/L 6-BA, 0.01 mg/L NAA, 6%-8% sucrose, 500 mg/L hydrolyzed lactalbumin, and other additional components for culture. Roots grow in about 1 week, and after 2 weeks the epicotyl germinates and new buds are produced. Cotyledon in vitro culture. Golden Camellia cotyledons are a good material for inducing embryoids, especially the part near the hypocotyl, where the induction frequency is relatively high, at 15%-25%. During induction, cut the cotyledons into 0.5 mm pieces. The induction medium is 1/2 MS, with 0.2 mg/L 6-BA and 0.2 mg/L NAA added. During the induction process, adventitious buds and false bulbils appear simultaneously. False bulbils have strong meristematic ability. Using false bulbils, embryoids, adventitious buds, and false bulbils can again be induced. Shoot tip and single bud culture. Shoot tip and single bud culture is an important way for rapid propagation of Golden Camellia. It is convenient for material collection, has a high multiplication rate, and is genetically stable. Explants use current-year young tender shoot tips and single buds. The medium is MS, with 6-BA or KT added. Studies show that the proliferation number of shoot tips and single buds increases with increasing 6-BA concentration, but when the 6-BA concentration reaches 5.0 mg/L, the rate of malformed seedlings is high and growth is poor. The combined use of 6-BA 2.0 mg/L and KT 0.5 mg/L results in robust growth of test-tube plantlets, a low rate of malformed seedlings, and a high proliferation number, and is an ideal growth regulator ratio for inducing proliferation.
Cultivation technology of Golden Camellia. Cultivation overview.
1. Create a suitable environment. Golden Camellia likes to grow in a semi-shaded, semi-cool, and humid environment, and needs regular ventilation, especially in the north. In the glass greenhouse, in addition to being equipped with a heating boiler and radiator, self-made atomizers, exhaust fans and other facilities were also installed.
2. Use pine needle soil mixed in proportion, gradually removing the "yellow mud" brought from the south.
3. The water used for watering flowers must be mixed with 1% ferrous sulfate each time, so that the water always maintains a certain weak acidity.
4. In addition to a well-ventilated environment, it also needs regular "physical exercise"; blow wind once every 2 weeks, and the wind force must be even when blowing. The purpose is to promote balanced metabolism and normal development through "exercise".
5. Control the temperature. The temperature difference should be between 7°C and 10°C. When the greenhouse temperature is 20°C, lower the shade cloth after four or five hours, and then ventilate.
6. Fertilization. One is diluted sour milk, which can be used directly without fermentation. The other traditional method is fermented soybean cake water. Fertilize once a month.
Flowering period management
Golden Camellia generally blooms only after 3-5 years of planting. Yellow flower buds usually appear in July-August each year. At this time, some weak branch buds, inward-facing buds, overly dense buds, and deformed buds can be removed. This can concentrate nutrients, make the flowers distribute reasonably, bloom larger, and extend the flowering period. By November, Golden Camellia is fully open, and it remains open until March of the following year. The full bloom period is 1-2 months.
Golden Camellia cultivation technology
Golden Camellia is a rare tree species. In its place of origin, Guangxi, due to forest logging and large-scale digging of wild seedlings, wild germplasm resources have been severely damaged, and the population is decreasing year by year. Governments at all levels have also strengthened protection. In 1996, the Golden Camellia National Nature Reserve was established in Fangcheng, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, so that Golden Camellia has been effectively protected. The market price of Golden Camellia is expensive. This year, wild Golden Camellia has basically disappeared, and artificial cultivation of Golden Camellia has become an inevitable choice.
Golden Camellia is mainly distributed in low mountain or hilly areas at an altitude of 100-700 m. It is an evergreen shrub or small tree, liking a warm, humid, semi-shaded climate. It is not tolerant of strong direct light and is relatively shade-tolerant. It requires slightly acidic soil and fertile, well-drained soil.
Golden Camellia can be propagated by grafting, cuttings, layering, and tissue culture. Seeds can be sown after maturity. Seedling plants need about 7-8 years to bloom. Cuttings mostly use one-year-old branches and are carried out in spring. Grafting is best in autumn. Layering can be carried out throughout its growth period. The flowering period of Golden Camellia is from November each year to March of the following year. A single flower can last as long as 10 days, and a single tree can have more than 200 flowers. When in bloom, the branches are full of flowers, brilliantly golden, and it is a rare tree species in winter. It is suitable for clump planting or mass planting in gardens, and can also be grown as a potted ornamental.
Section 1 Distribution
Golden Camellia is the collective name for plants in the Golden Camellia section of the Camellia genus in the Theaceae family. It was first discovered in 1993 by Chinese botanist Zuo Jinglie in Fangcheng, Guangxi. At present, 40 species and 5 varieties of the Golden Camellia section are known in the world. Apart from 10 in Vietnam and 1 each in Sichuan, Yunnan, and Guizhou, the remaining 28 species and 4 varieties are all distributed in the subtropical southern margin and tropical northern margin of Guangxi, China, including Fangcheng, Ningming, Pingxiang, Longzhou, Chongzuo, Fusui, Daxin, Tiandeng, Long'an, Wuming, Pingguo, Tiandong, and Bobai counties (cities). Vertical distribution is mostly in low mountain hills at an altitude of 50-650 m, on both sides of mountain gullies and streams in platform areas, and in limestone peak-cluster valleys, especially common under evergreen broad-leaved forests at an altitude of 120-350 m. Guangxi has become the modern geographical distribution center of Golden Camellia and is praised as the hometown of Golden Camellia.
Golden Camellia is an ancient plant, extremely rare, with an extremely narrow distribution. 90% of the world's wild Golden Camellia is distributed only in the Lanshan branch area of the Shiwandashan Mountains in Fangchenggang City, Guangxi, China, growing below 700 m above sea level, and is more common in the range between 200-500 m above sea level. The lower limit of vertical distribution is about 20 m above sea level.
Among the plants in the Golden Camellia section, in addition to Golden Camellia, species with relatively high ornamental value also include Camellia impressinervis, Camellia euphlebia, Camellia pubipetala, and Camellia chrysantha.
Camellia impressinervis is produced in evergreen broad-leaved forests in the limestone areas of Longzhou and Daxin, Guangxi. The tree shape is relatively short and small, and both flowers and leaves are relatively large. The flowers are pale yellow, and the flowering period is long. The main vein, lateral veins, and reticulate veins are all obviously sunken, and the leaf surface is uneven, with a peculiar form, having high value for both foliage and flower viewing.
Camellia euphlebia is found in valley rainforests in mountain valleys and beside streams in Fangcheng, Guangxi. The tree shape is relatively good, the yellow petals are deep yellow, and the leaves are broad and large. Old leaves are up to 19 cm long and 1.5 cm wide, and young leaves are up to 27 cm long and 10.5 cm wide. The leaf veins are sunken on the lower side of the leaf and raised on the back, and the leaf surface appears uneven, so it can be viewed for both foliage and flowers. The flowering period is from November to January of the following year, and the fruit ripening period is November-December.
Camellia pubipetala is found in evergreen broad-leaved forests on limestone rocky mountain slopes in Long'an and Daxin, Guangxi. The flowers are pale yellow, and the bracts, sepals, the outside of the petals, and the filaments are all covered with short soft hairs. The ovary and style also have short soft hairs, and the base of the yellow style is connate. The flowering period is from November to April of the following year, and the fruit ripening period is October-November. Camellia multipetala is produced in limestone rocky mountains and mixed shrub forests in Fusui, Guangxi. The flowers are deep yellow, without waxiness. The inner sides of the bracts, sepals, and petals are covered with gray-white short soft hairs. There are relatively many yellow petals, 11-17, and up to 19 at most. The flowering period is February-March.
Section 2 Suitable Growing Environment
Golden Camellia prefers a warm and humid climate, and likes well-drained acidic soil. It prefers shade during the seedling stage, and once it enters the flowering stage, it quite likes diffused sunlight. It is not demanding about soil, and can grow in soils ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. It tolerates poor soil, but also likes fertilizer. It has strong tolerance to waterlogging. It does not tolerate direct strong light and is relatively shade-tolerant; under strong light its leaves wither and die. It grows below 700 m in altitude, and is more commonly found in the range between 200-500 m in altitude, with the lower limit of its vertical distribution at about 20 m in altitude.
The main distribution area has an average temperature of 21-23°C, an average January temperature of 12.1-14.4°C, an extreme minimum temperature of around 0°C, an average July temperature of 27-23°C, and an extreme maximum temperature of 40°C. Annual precipitation is 1130-1700 mm, with a fairly distinct dry and wet season; the dry season lasts as long as half a year, and the air within the forest area is humid, with an average annual relative humidity of about 80%. It is a shade-tolerant species, forming part of the lower layer of northern tropical monsoon forests and ravine rainforests. Its main associated tree species include Xylia xylocarpa, Garcinia paucinervis, Cephalomappa sinensis, Cephalomappa sinensis (false), Dracontomelon duperreanum, Deutzianthus tonkinensis, Saraca dives, Eriobotrya cavaleriei, Mytilaria laosensis, Hopea hainanensis, and Antiaris toxicaria. Young trees need to grow under shaded conditions, while mature trees grow better under sparse shade. It prefers to grow in the humid, low-light environment under shade-casting trees in ravines or among shrubs, and grows poorly on sunny slopes. It tolerates damp heat and avoids dryness and direct scorching sun. The suitable soils for Golden Camellia are lateritic red earth, and acidic soils and calcareous limestone soils of latosol, requiring a pH value of 4.5-6.5, with deep soil layers, a texture ranging from clayey to loose, high soil organic matter and water content, and good structure. It is a deep-rooted tree species, with a well-developed main root and very few lateral and fibrous roots; it has strong sprouting ability and can regenerate by sprouting. During the seedling stage, it puts out shoots and grows leaves in all three seasons of spring, summer and autumn; mature trees produce new shoots twice a year, and the young leaves are purplish red. It buds in July-August, the flowering period is from November to April of the following year, with the full bloom period in January-February; each flower opens for about 10 d, and the fruit ripens in October-December. Under natural conditions, as long as temperature and humidity are suitable, the seeds germinate relatively easily after falling to the ground.
Section 3 Propagation and Cultivation
Propagation is by sowing, grafting, and cuttings. The cultivation soil should be well aerated and should not hold standing water. During the seedling stage, a shade shed must be set up; in areas north of the Yangtze River basin, pot cultivation is preferable, and in winter the plants must be moved into a greenhouse. Golden Camellia plants are warmth-loving plants and belong to tree species with a tropical nature, having relatively high heat requirements, though there are certain differences among species and at different growth stages. When introduced to a mid-subtropical climate, they can still grow and develop normally. Golden Camellia has the characteristic of liking moisture and humidity; there are differences among species and at different growth stages in their requirements for moisture conditions, with relatively high requirements during the vegetative growth period, while excessive rain during the flowering period easily causes flower drop. Golden Camellia cannot endure direct sunlight; it is a shade-loving and shade-tolerant plant, generally requiring a light intensity of 320-600 Lax, though there are differences among species, and under different light conditions, plant growth, fruiting ability and regeneration capacity are positively correlated with the degree of shading. Golden Camellia plants are divided into two major categories: acid-loving and acid-tolerant Golden Camellia, and calcium-loving and calcium-tolerant Golden Camellia. Under natural conditions, Golden Camellia has not been seen occurring on the two different types of soil, but under artificial introduction and cultivation, stone-mountain types can grow on acidic soil. Golden Camellia growing on the two different types of soil have different requirements for ash and elements.
I. Propagation Techniques
1. Cuttings
In the rainy season of May-June, select young mother trees, cut a one-year-old tender branch from the top, about 10 cm long, remove the lower leaves, trim flat below the node with a blade, keep one terminal bud and one lateral bud at the top, along with 2-3 leaves, and insert into a medium of river sand or gravel, with an insertion depth of 1/3-2/3. After insertion, cover with straw curtains for shade, strengthen leaf-surface misting, and maintain air humidity in the cutting bed to promote rooting. To improve the survival rate of cuttings, soak the cuttings in a 50-100 ppm ABT rooting powder solution for 8-12 hours.
2. Grafting
Select robust seedlings or camellia varieties that root easily from cuttings as rootstock, cut off at 4-5 cm from the ground diameter, split through the pith to a depth of about 1.5 cm, use 1-2 year-old branches as scions, keep 1-2 leaves on the upper part of the scion, cut the lower part into a wedge shape, insert into the split opening of the rootstock, ensuring the cambium layers of both sides fit closely together, then bind tightly with plastic tape.
Post-grafting management: after grafting, cover the scion with a plastic bag and tie it below with a string, but not too tightly, so that water droplets form inside the bag and continuously drip onto the rootstock. Then add a paper bag on the outside of the plastic bag to shade against direct sunlight.
3. Bud Cuttings
Take each bud node as a segment, keep one leaf, about 1.5 cm long, cut diagonally at the lower part, then insert into the medium, with the depth just covering the branch. This method can make full use of branches and is suitable for large-scale propagation needs.
II. Transplanting
1. Open-field planting of Golden Camellia
1) Select fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic loam soil, with a pH value between 5.5 and 6.
2) Planting time: spring planting in February-March, mainly with small seedlings; autumn planting after November gives better results.
3) Fertilization: Camellias do not like heavy fertilizer. Generally, apply fertilizer 2-4 times before flowering in October-November and after flowering in April-May. The fertilizer mainly uses compound fertilizer and compost, combined with an appropriate amount of phosphate fertilizer; (the fertilization principle is to apply lightly and frequently. Apply more to strong seedlings, and less or none to weak seedlings).
4) Camellias grow slowly and should not be heavily pruned; since the canopy develops evenly, no special pruning is needed either; it is only necessary to cut out diseased and pest-infested branches, overly dense branches, weak branches and water sprouts. For newly planted seedlings, moderate pruning may also be done to ensure survival. Bud thinning is an important part of cultivation management; generally, at most 3 flower buds are kept per branch, with a certain spacing maintained, which can reduce excessive nutrient consumption by the plant and its impact on flowering. The flowering period of camellias lasts as long as half a year; promptly removing wilted flowers is greatly beneficial for reducing nutrient consumption and strengthening tree vigor.
5) Pest and disease control and intertillage weeding: The main diseases of camellias include brown spot disease, chlorosis, and moss parasitism on branches. Pests include red spider mites, various scale insects, nettle grubs, rose sawflies, etc. The occurrence of pests and diseases greatly affects tree vigor and ornamental value. The control methods are respectively: for brown spot disease, spray Bordeaux mixture before spring sprouting, then continue spraying every half month for prevention, and pay attention to drainage and fertilization, remove damaged leaves and burn them. Chlorosis is mainly caused by a lack of trace elements in the soil, and can be prevented and controlled by frequently applying ferrous sulfate or magnesium sulfate solution. For red spider mites and various scale insects, spray pine resin mixture and strengthen ventilation. For various nettle grubs, rose sawflies, etc., spray 40% omethoate 400-155 times dilution or 80% dichlorvos emulsifiable concentrate 1000-1200 times dilution for control. Intertillage and weeding, and cleaning the garden can also effectively prevent and control pests and diseases, strengthen tree vigor, and make the flowers larger. Intertillage and weeding need to be carried out 6-7 times throughout the year.
2. Pot cultivation of Golden Camellia
1) Pot soil selection: choose a slightly acidic, loose, fertile mixed soil as the pot soil. The ratio of the mixed soil is 6 parts garden soil, 3 parts pine-leaf humus soil, and 1-2 parts sandy soil.
2) Pot selection: For cultivation, clay pots are preferable. The ratio of pot size to seedling is: for a camellia with a seedling height of 40-50 cm and a crown width of 20-25 cm, the pot diameter should be about 20 cm. Other sizes follow the same pattern. For commercial seedlings, purple clay pots are better and can improve the ornamental effect.
3) Pot seedling selection: choose plants that grow robustly, have a main trunk, are single-stemmed without branching, have a beautiful canopy, tender green leaves, and no pests or diseases.
4) Watering management: For newly planted seedlings, water thoroughly the first time, then water frequently within 2 months to keep the pot soil moist. After that, water in the same way as for other potted flowering plants. The frequency depends on climatic conditions, following the principle of keeping the soil moist. Water more in spring to meet the needs of sprouting and shoot growth; in summer, watering is best done in the morning and evening; in the rainy season, guard against water accumulation; in autumn drought, water promptly; in winter, to prevent freezing, water at noon.
5) Shading and cold protection: Camellias should be given sufficient sunlight in spring and the rainy season, and shaded and cooled in summer and autumn; when the winter temperature drops to zero degrees, they need to be moved indoors for cold protection.
6) Flowering period control: This is mainly achieved through means such as variety selection, temperature control and hormone treatment to achieve the purpose of earlier or delayed flowering. For example, to delay flowering, late-flowering varieties can be selected and subjected to low-temperature control (cold storage above 2-3 degrees, storing plants that have been wrapped and protected against cold), which can delay flowering by one month. To make them flower earlier, early-flowering varieties such as Xiaotaohong, Xueta, Simianjing, etc. must be selected, and then given heavy topdressing and hormone treatment. The method is: when the spring growth of the camellia stops and the flower buds have formed, apply heavy topdressing so that the young branches after flowering become fully developed and mature early and stop growing early; in mid-July or early August, use a brush to dot-apply 500-1000 PPm gibberellin onto the flower buds, once every three days, accompanied by reasonable water and fertilizer; in September, depending on the plumpness of the flower buds, dot-apply gibberellin again; when the requirement is not met, appropriately increase the number of dot applications, continuing to accompany this with water spraying and topdressing, and then the flower buds will grow rapidly and can flower earlier from late September to November.
Section 4 Fertilization
Golden Camellia likes fertilizer, but is also afraid of raw fertilizer and concentrated fertilizer, and even more so should not be given a large amount at one time. It is best to "apply frequently and lightly" so that it will have abundant flowers and lush leaves. During March-April, when Golden Camellia is growing branches and leaves, apply fermented cake fertilizer water mainly based on nitrogen 3-4 times to promote the sprouting of new buds and shoots; during May-June, which is the bud gestation period of Golden Camellia, apply liquid fertilizer mainly based on phosphorus and potassium 3-4 times in succession, such as superphosphate, bone meal, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, and fully decomposed liquid fertilizer made from chicken, duck and pigeon manure or fishy water, to promote the formation of flower buds and enhance drought resistance; during September-November, apply mixed liquid fertilizer 2-3 times to promote plump flower buds and enhance cold resistance. However, in the hot summer (July-August) and the severe cold season (December-February), fertilization is generally not needed.
Disease Control of Golden Camellia
Common diseases of adult Golden Camellia include anthracnose, sooty mold, leaf blight, bud blight, etc. Anthracnose is a common disease of Golden Camellia, and the main pests include aphids, scale insects, etc.
The disease spots begin from the leaf tip or leaf margin; the spots are irregular, often with small black dots on them, and the boundary between diseased and healthy parts is obvious. Usually, a 70% thiophanate-methyl 800 times dilution is used for foliar spraying at the early stage of disease onset, once every 5-7 days, for 3 consecutive sprays. The spray volume is 60 kg per mu.
The symptoms of sooty mold are manifested as soot-like matter on the leaves; the pathogen also harms branches and tender shoots, and in severe cases the branches and leaves are covered with a black sooty layer, hindering the plant's normal photosynthesis.
The pest that induces the disease is mainly aphids; control can start with controlling aphids, spraying 50% dimethoate emulsifiable concentrate 1000 times dilution for control.
Tea aphids, leaf rollers, tea tussock moths, etc. are common pests of Golden Camellia. Tea aphids and leaf rollers can cause the leaves of Golden Camellia to curl and shrivel and be unable to extend. Tea tussock moths, on the other hand, bite the leaves into missing pieces, or eat them all up, seriously affecting plant growth. Control should be carried out early, and a high-efficiency, low-toxicity, low-residue pyrethroid emulsifiable concentrate 800 times dilution can be selected for spraying.
Golden Camellia anthracnose mainly harms leaves, fruits, tender shoots and tender buds. The control method is to strictly carry out seedling quarantine, and immediately destroy any diseased seedlings found. Before sowing, soak the seeds in 0.2 semesan or 50% thiram 1000 times dilution for 24 h; spray 1% Bordeaux mixture in early spring, and from June to August spray 1% Bordeaux mixture plus 1%-2% tea-seed cake water monthly.
Golden Camellia red leaf blight is a common leaf disease in nurseries. A sun shed can be built in the nursery for shade, and during drought, leaf misting should be increased, or at the early stage of disease onset, spray 70% thiophanate-methyl 1000-1500 times dilution or 20% folpet 400 times dilution for control.
Tea aphids begin to cause damage in mid-March, and it is severe in May-June. When aphids break out in large numbers, they gather in groups to harm tender branches, tender leaves and flower buds, causing leaves to shrivel and also triggering sooty mold, affecting plant growth. The control method is, at the early stage of aphid occurrence, to spray 50% dimethoate emulsifiable concentrate 1000 times dilution on the trees where aphids are concentrated.
Cultural Background and Conservation of Golden Camellia
Golden Camellia is an ancient primitive plant, with a low fruit-setting rate, difficult to propagate, and with a narrow distribution; the vast majority is distributed in southern Guangxi, China, making it a rare and precious plant in the world. Four species in the Golden Camellia section are listed as national first- and second-class key protected plants, and it is a plant species in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Species Conservation
It is as famous as precious "living plant fossils" such as Cathaya argyrophylla, Alsophila spinulosa, and Davidia involucrata, and is one of China's eight national first-class protected plants (State Council document, July 1984). It is a plant species in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. It is called the magical Oriental magic tea abroad, and is hailed as the "giant panda of the plant kingdom" and the "queen of the tea family".
In order to allow this national treasure to multiply and thrive, Chinese scientists are working together on crossbreeding and selection experiments to cultivate even better varieties. Kunming, Hangzhou, Shanghai and other places in China have already introduced and cultivated it.
Golden Camellia is the only golden one among the more than one hundred species of camellias in the world. It is a subtropical evergreen shrub or small tree of the genus Camellia in the family Theaceae. The bark is grayish green, the leaves are oblong-elliptic, and the leaf margins have shallow serrations. It flowers from November to February each year, and the flowering period lasts as long as 4 months.
In 1960, Chinese scientists first discovered a golden-yellow camellia in the Nanning area of Guangxi, and it was named Golden Camellia. The discovery of Golden Camellia caused a sensation in the global horticultural and news circles, and received great attention from horticulturists at home and abroad. It is considered the finest original material for breeding golden-yellow camellia varieties.
Golden Camellia has a golden-yellow flower color, and most species have a waxy luster, crystal-clear and lovely. The flower shapes include cup-shaped, pot-shaped, bowl-shaped and plate-shaped, etc., with diverse forms, beautiful and elegant. Among the camellia groups, it is hailed as the "queen of the tea family". Golden Camellia is as famous as precious "living plant fossils" such as Cathaya argyrophylla, Alsophila spinulosa, and Davidia involucrata, and is one of China's eight national first-class protected plants. It is a plant species in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, called the magical Oriental magic tea abroad, and hailed as the "giant panda of the plant kingdom".
The Legend of Golden Camellia
According to legend, a very, very long time ago, one day, the Queen Mother of the West in ancient mythology sent the tea immortal Lu Yu to Baishiya in the Ten Thousand Great Mountains of Guangxi to plant tea, but the tea seeds planted time and again vanished without a trace. For this reason, only after many investigations did Lu Yu learn that it was a golden flower snake, golden and green all over, that was causing the mischief; it picked out the tea seeds Lu Yu had planted one by one and swallowed them into its belly as fill for its stomach. Seeing this, Lu Yu was extremely angry, and brandished the cloud-driving whip that the Queen Mother of the West had bestowed on him, lashing at the golden flower snake. The golden flower snake, caught off guard, was struck by the divine whip at the vital spot seven inches from its head, and hurt so much that it rolled in midair, struggling violently as it crawled with difficulty toward the southwest. As the pain intensified, it fell at the junction of Ningming, Longzhou and Shangsi in Guangxi, in the dense forest at the southern foot of the Ten Thousand Great Mountains, and died. After the golden flower snake died, the tea seeds gestated in the snake's belly for a period and then sprouted, bursting open the rotting snake body. With a wave of the rain-calling whip, a heavy rain washed the tea sprouts from the snake's belly onto the land, where they took root and grew. After several springs and autumns, the unusual tea trees multiplied into patches and patches of verdant tea forest. Perhaps due to the influence of the golden flower snake's brilliant color genetic genes, the tea planted by the tea immortal Lu Yu himself was irrigated by the spring water attached to the valleys below the mountain ridges. The camellia flowers borne by the tea trees were very peculiar, incomparably large and dazzlingly golden. The Queen Mother of the West named it - Golden Camellia.
Plant Culture: City Flower
Fangcheng District is the place where Golden Camellia was first discovered in China and its distribution center, bringing together 23 species and 5 varieties out of the 32 species and 7 varieties of Golden Camellia existing in nature. China's only Golden Camellia national-level nature reserve named after a protected plant is located in Fangcheng District. The Golden Camellia species gene bank with the most complete range and the largest number of Golden Camellia species in the world is established in this reserve (the reserve was approved for establishment by the State Council in 1994, with a total area of 9195.1 hectares, of which the core area is 729.4 hectares and the buffer zone is 4139.5 hectares). In 2002, Golden Camellia was designated as the city flower by Fangchenggang City. In December 2009, Fangcheng District was named "Hometown of Chinese Golden Camellia" by the China Economic Forestry Association. In November 2011, Golden Camellia obtained national geographical indication protected product status.
Golden Camellia Festival
Since the successful holding of the first Golden Camellia Festival in 2009, the Golden Camellia Festival has become one of the four major cultural festival brands promoted by Fangchenggang City. The Golden Camellia industry has also developed rapidly, with a number of leading enterprises emerging, such as Guirentang Golden Camellia, Zhonggang Gaoke National Treasure Golden Camellia, and Baixi Golden Camellia. A series of Golden Camellia products have respectively won Guangxi Famous Brand Product and Guangxi Famous Trademark, and the products sell well in domestic and international markets, with an annual output value exceeding 1.2 billion yuan.
Golden Camellia Pictures