Camellia granthemiana

High in the ravines of Hong Kong’s Tai Mo Shan, a single camellia tree stood quietly in 1955, cloaked in forest shade, its identity unknown. It was there the Agricultural, Fisheries and Conservation Department documented it—an unexpected beauty among the undergrowth. Soon identified by botanist J. R. Sealy as a new species, it was named Camellia granthamiana, honoring then-Governor Sir Alexander Grantham.

For years, this lone specimen stood as the only known representative; today, a few more populations have been found on Hong Kong’s Ma On Shan and across parts of Guangdong. Yet those discoveries remain rare—a whisper of hope in a landscape eroded by time.

A Botanical Gem with “Fried-Egg” Blooms

This camellia is as distinctive as its history: a graceful tree or shrub bearing enormous single white blooms—up to 10–14 cm across—with golden-yellow centers that evoke the charm of a “fried-egg” design. Its foliage carries a subtle refinement: leathery dark-green leaves with deeply impressed veins and a gloss that speaks of forest poise.

Flowers emerge in mid to late winter or early spring, bridging seasons with their serene presence.

Guarded by Law, Celebrated in Science

Camellia granthamiana is not just rare—it's vulnerable. Protected under Hong Kong’s Forestry Regulations (Cap. 96A) and listed in national and international conservation registers, it stands at the intersection of botanical fascination and ecological urgency.

Its conservation extends into the molecular era, too. In 2024, the Hong Kong Biodiversity Genomics Consortium unveiled a high-quality chromosome-scale genome of the species—an essential resource laying the groundwork for genetic conservation and deepening our understanding of this remarkable camellia’s place within its genus.

Why It Matters

More than just a plant, Grantham’s camellia is a living monument—a singular discovery that inspired scientific naming, conservation, and modern genomics. Its striking blooms and velvety textures beautify gardens in temperate regions, while its ecological story reminds us how fragile botanical diversity can be. Cultivated with care, it remains a tangible link from remote ravines to the realm of human reverence and stewardship.

Photos courtesy of James Garnett