Camellia japonica, also known as common camellia or Japanese camellia, is a species of Camellia, a flowering plant genus in the family Theaceae. Despite its common name, it is native to China, not Japan. The cultivation of this plant can be traced back to the Song Dynasty, with 15 different varieties recorded in recorded literature. It was later introduced to Japan. It grows in forests at altitudes around 980-3600 ft.

It is a flowering tree or shrub that can grow up to 20 feet tall. The youngest branches are purplish-brown and become grayish-brown as they age. The leaves are alternately arranged and leathery and dark green. The base of the leaf is pointed and very finely toothed.

The leaves of this species have anti-inflammatory terpenoids such as lupeol and squalene.

Source: Wikipedia