Stewartia ovata

Stewartia ovata, known commonly as mountain camellia,[4] is a small tree native to low to mid-elevations in the southern Appalachian Mountains and nearby regions from Mississippi to Virginia. It is a member of the Theaceae, the tea family.

Stewartia ovata
Flower

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]

Apparently Secure  (NatureServe)[2]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Theaceae
Genus: Stewartia
Species:
S. ovata
Binomial name
Stewartia ovata
Range
Synonyms[3]
  • Malachodendron ovatum Cav. 1787

Although not endangered, the plant does have a limited range and is uncommon throughout its range. Mountain camellia grows in the understory of predominately hardwood forests and tends to be found near streams, usually at elevations below 800 m (2,500 feet).

Description

Stewartia ovata is a deciduous flowering shrub or small tree growing to 5 meters (16 2/3 feet) tall, with smooth, flaking grayish-orange bark. The leaves are oval with an acute apex, 7–13 cm (2.8-5.2 inches) long and 3–6 cm (1.2-2.4 inches) broad, and turn orange, red, or gold when the tree becomes dormant in the fall. The flowers are camellia-like, 6–12 cm (2.4-4.8 inches) in diameter, with five white petals and numerous white, yellow or purple stamens; they appear in early to mid-summer.[5]

Varieties

There are two varieties:

  • Stewartia ovata var. ovata — flowers 6–8 cm diameter, stamens white to yellow.
  • Stewartia ovata var. grandiflora (W.J.Bean) Weatherby — flowers up to 12 cm diameter, stamens purple.
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References
  1. Rivers, M.C. (2015). "Stewartia ovata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2015: e.T62086365A62086373. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2015-2.RLTS.T62086365A62086373.en. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
  2. "Stewartia ovata". NatureServe. Retrieved 2016-10-23.
  3. The Plant List, Stewartia ovata (Cav.) Weath.
  4. "Stewartia ovata". Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved 3 December 2015.
  5. Flora of North America, Stewartia ovata (Cavanilles) Weatherby, 1939. Mountain camellia or stewartia
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