Camellias
from A Field Guide to North American Haiku by Charles Trumbull
First, the Basics
The origin of the camellia flower can be traced back to China and Japan, where it was first cultivated for its beauty and medicinal properties. The camellia flower is named after Georg Kamel, a Moravian Jesuit priest and botanist who lived in the 17th century. He discovered the plant in the Philippines and sent specimens back to Europe, where it was studied and classified by the botanist Carl Linnaeus. The camellia was then introduced to the rest of the world and became popular as an ornamental plant.
In China, camellia has been cultivated for thousands of years and is a symbol of love and devotion. It is often used in Chinese art, literature, and poetry to represent beauty, purity, and faithfulness. In Japan, the camellia is also a symbol of love and is associated with the samurai tradition. The flower is often worn as a hair ornament by Japanese women and is used in traditional tea ceremonies.
During the Victorian era in Europe, the camellia flower became a popular symbol of wealth and luxury. It was often used in elaborate flower arrangements and was given as a gift to show admiration and respect. Today, camellia flowers are grown all over the world and are especially popular in the United States, where they are grown in gardens and used in floral arrangements. The flower’s popularity is due in part to its rich history and symbolism, as well as its stunning beauty. . . .
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