Stewartia pseudocamellia Maxim.
Deciduous camellia or Japanese camellia
The tree tag number relates to the black tree-maintenance tags, usually fixed on the trunk, 2 to 3m above ground level.
The Stewartia tree is one of the few members of the tea family (Theaceae) that can be grown in temperate areas and is said to be hardy only in southern and western areas of the UK. It is a native of Japan and Korea. The young tree in Belfast Botanic Gardens has survived the severe cold of 2010 and 2011 winters and is flowering well. It is a small tree eventually reaching about 15m. In addition to its beautiful summer flowers the Stuartia can also produce brilliant dark red autumn colours. Our tree is located between the Tropical Ravine and the Service Yard.
Photos taken in Belfast Botanic Gardens in 2011. Copyright: Friends of Belfast Botanic Gardens.