Camellia japonica albipetala, a variant of Camellia japonica, is an evergreen shrub or small tree distinguished by its striking white, rose-like flowers and glossy, dark green foliage. Known for its beauty and elegance, this plant is native to East Asia and is often cultivated as an ornamental species in gardens worldwide. Camellia japonica albipetala is valued in traditional skincare for its camellia oil, which is extracted from its seeds and used for its hydrating and antioxidant properties.
Botanical Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Tracheophytes
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- Order: Ericales
- Family: Theaceae
- Genus: Camellia
- Species: Camellia japonica
- Variety: Camellia japonica albipetala
Plant Characteristics
Camellia japonica albipetala is a slow-growing, evergreen shrub that can reach heights of 1–6 meters. It has dark green, serrated leaves and produces large, pure white flowers with single or double petals, which bloom from late winter to early spring. This variety thrives in well-drained, acidic soils and is often used in woodland and shade gardens due to its elegant appearance and hardiness.
Chemical Composition and Structure
The oil extracted from Camellia japonica albipetala seeds shares a similar profile to that of Camellia japonica, rich in beneficial compounds, including:
Oleic Acid: A monounsaturated fatty acid that deeply moisturizes and softens the skin, enhancing elasticity.
Squalene: A natural emollient that provides hydration and protection against oxidative stress, maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier.
Vitamin E: An antioxidant that helps to protect skin cells from damage caused by free radicals, contributing to anti-aging effects.
Polyphenols: Known for their strong antioxidant properties, which help reduce environmental damage and support youthful skin.
Proteins and Amino Acids: Essential for repairing the skin barrier and strengthening hair, contributing to improved skin and hair health.
How to Cultivate Camellia japonica albipetala
Cultivating Camellia japonica albipetala requires specific conditions to promote growth and flowering:
Climate: Prefers temperate climates with mild winters and cool, moist summers. It is frost-tolerant but benefits from winter protection in colder regions.
Soil Requirements: Thrives in acidic, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Avoid alkaline soils, which may lead to leaf yellowing (chlorosis).
Propagation: Commonly propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late summer or by grafting. Seed propagation is also possible but can take years to produce flowers.
Watering and Maintenance: Requires regular watering, especially in dry periods. Mulching around the base helps retain soil moisture and maintain acidity. Occasional pruning is recommended to shape the plant and remove dead or damaged branches.
Harvesting: Seeds are collected from mature plants and pressed to extract camellia oil. Flowers can be harvested during blooming for ornamental and cosmetic purposes.
Uses and Benefits
This variant of Camellia japonica is highly prized for both its ornamental value and practical benefits:
Moisturizing and Skin Softening: Camellia oil deeply hydrates the skin, leaving it soft and smooth without clogging pores.
Anti-Aging Properties: The polyphenols and vitamin E in camellia oil serve as antioxidants, helping to reduce fine lines and signs of aging.
Hair Health: Camellia oil is used in hair treatments to add shine, reduce frizz, and strengthen hair, making it a popular ingredient in traditional hair care.
Skin Protection and Wound Healing: Contains compounds that promote skin regeneration and support the skin barrier, helpful for minor cuts and irritations.
Ornamental: Camellia japonica albipetala is widely planted for its beautiful white blooms that provide a fresh contrast in winter and early spring gardens.
Applications
Cosmetic: Camellia oil from Camellia japonica albipetala is commonly used in skincare and haircare products for its hydrating, anti-aging, and protective properties. It is a popular ingredient in facial oils, creams, hair serums, and body lotions.
Medicinal: Traditionally used in East Asia to support skin healing and soothe irritations. Camellia oil is applied topically to relieve dryness, eczema, and minor skin issues.
Ornamental: Camellia japonica albipetala is a popular choice in ornamental gardens, parks, and as a potted plant due to its striking white flowers and lush, glossy foliage.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Camellia japonica albipetala is generally safe for topical use, and camellia oil is well-tolerated by most skin types. Sustainable sourcing of camellia oil is encouraged to protect native populations and minimize environmental impact. The plant is non-invasive, although it requires monitoring to prevent spreading in certain regions. As with all botanical products, a patch test is recommended for those with sensitive skin before widespread use.
References_____________________________________________________________________
(1) Lee, H. H., Cho, J. Y., Moon, J. H., & Park, K. H. (2011). Isolation and identification of antioxidative phenolic acids and flavonoid glycosides from Camellia japonica flowers. Horticulture, Environment, and Biotechnology, 52, 270-277.
Abstract. The ethyl acetate (EtOAc) layer of the hot water extracts of Camellia japonica flowers was found to have higher 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging activity than the other solvent layers. Nine phenolic compounds were isolated and purified from the EtOAc layer by Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography and octadecyl silane-high performance liquid chromatography using a guided DPPH radical-scavenging assay. The isolated compounds were identified as 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid (1), 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (3), 2,3-digalloyl-O-α-D-glucopyranoside (4), 2,3-digalloyl-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), quercetin 3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside (6), quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (7), kaempferol 3-O-β-D-galactopyranoside (8), and kaempferol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (9), based on mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. Four compounds (6–9) had been previously identified in the leaves of this plant, but other compounds (1–5) were newly isolated from this plant. Their DPPH radical-scavenging activities based on the 50% scavenging concentration decreased in the following order: 4 = 5 (4.7 μM) > 1 (9.8 μM) > 6 = 7 (8.2 μM) > α-tocopherol (24.7 M) > ascorbic acid (25.1 μM) > 2 (35.6 M) > 3 = 8 = 9 (> 250 μM). Quercetin glycosides (6, 7), gallic acid (1) and its glucosides (4, 5) showed higher DPPH radical-scavenging activities than other compounds. These results indicate that the antioxidant effect of C. japonica flowers may be attributable to quercetin glycosides and gallic acid derivatives. These isolated compounds will be useful in basic studies of plant physiology, food manufacturing, and biological function of C. japonica flowers.
(2) Kim KY, Davidson PM, Chung HJ. Antibacterial activity in extracts of Camellia japonica L. petals and its application to a model food system. J Food Prot. 2001 Aug;64(8):1255-60. doi: 10.4315/0362-028x-64.8.1255.
Abstract. The potential presence of naturally occurring antimicrobials in petals of Camellia japonica L., a member of the tea family, was investigated against foodborne pathogens in microbiological media and food. Petals of the camellia flower (C. japonica L.) were extracted with methanol and fractionated into basic, acidic, and neutral fractions. The acidic fraction (equivalent to 1.0 g of raw sample per disk) produced an inhibitory zone of 14 to 19 mm (diameter) in a disk assay against the pathogens Salmonella Typhimurium DT104, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus on agar plates. Silica gel adsorption column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, and preparative purification by high-pressure liquid chromatography were used to purify compounds in the fraction. The mass spectrum of the antibacterial compound isolated had a molecular ion (M+) of m/z 116 and showed good conformity with the spectrum of fumaric acid (HOOC-CH=CH-COOH). An aqueous extract from the petals of C. japonica L. had an inhibitory effect on growth of all pathogens at 37 degrees C in microbiological media by increasing the lag phase. None of the microorganisms was inhibited completely. Milk was used as a model food system. Aqueous extract at a concentration of 100 mg/ml was bacteriostatic against all the foodborne pathogens in the milk stored at 25 degrees C for up to 4 days.
Camellia Japonica Albipetala 
