Friends of Belfast Botanic Gardens

Tree of the month series - this series of short articles about trees in the Belfast Botanic Gardens is compiled by members of the Friends group and Gardens staff. We aim to build up to a comprehensive archive of trees in Belfast Botanic Gardens. Each article will illustrate a tree growing in Belfast Botanic Gardens together with information from a range of sources.

Click here to view the tree archive

 

Tree of the Month, June 2011

Stuartia pseudocamellia

Deciduous or Japanese camellia

Jon Pilcher

The Stuartia 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.

Young Stewartia pseudocamellia in Belfast Botanic Gardens Leaves and buds of Stewartia pseudocamellia

Bracts and bud of Stewartia pseudocamellia Flower of Stewartia pseudocamellia

 

Photos taken in 2011 in Belfast Botanic Gardens. Copyright Jon Pilcher