By Tan It Koon
I would like to share the beauty of the Camelia Japonica (Blood of China) plant. In China, the camellia represents the union between two lovers. The delicately layered petals represent the woman, and the calyx (the green leafy part of the stem that holds the petals together) represents the man who protects her. The two components are joined together, even after death. Typically, when a flower’s petals fall off, the calyx will stay intact. However, with camellias, the calyx and petals fall away together, which is why the camellia also represents eternal love or long-lasting devotion.
In Latin, camellia means “helper to the priest” and was named after the Jesuit botanist Georg Joseph Kamel who practiced pharmaceutical botany in the late 17th century. He is known for his work in the Philippines, where he lived for more than 20 years dedicating his life to discovering new treatments from native plant sources. Although there is no record of Kamel working with camellias, the flower was named after him by Carl Linnaeus to commemorate his many contributions to the world of pharmacy.
Camellia Flower Symbolism & Colours
Camellia flowers are available in white, pink, and red, with each colour having its own unique symbolism. Generally, camellia flowers symbolize love, affection, and admiration. White camellias symbolize adoration and are given to someone well-liked. Pink camellias symbolize a longing for someone we miss. Red camellias symbolize love, passion, and deep desire.
Camellia Flower Cultural Significance
Mrs. Henry Lafayette Dubose is a cranky old lady known for her racism and intolerance. The white camellia flower holds a special significance in the iconic novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee. One day, Jem cuts off all the camellias from her garden out of frustration and anger. Upon learning of his son’s behaviour, Atticus forces Jem to apologize and sends him to her home every day to read to her.
From this experience, Jem realized that Mrs. Henry Lafayette Dubose was battling her demons — her morphine addiction. She was able to kick the habit with Jem’s company, and when she passed away, she gave Jem a box with a white camellia inside. The camellia represents understanding and patience. After Jem has cut off all of her camellia flowers, Mrs. Dubose reminds him to kill the plant by “pulling it up by the roots.” This particular quote indicates deep-rooted issues (such as racism and intolerance) cannot be solved with surface-level tactics like violence and rebellion. Instead, through compassion, one can understand how to make a change.
Camellia Flower Uses
Known as the tea camellia, Camellia sinensis makes most green and black teas. The leaves and petals of the camellia plant are dried and are known for their high levels of caffeine. Green tea is made by drying the camellia leaves, and black tea is made from the same process, with an added fermentation stage. Green tea, in particular, is known for its antioxidants which have many health benefits, including lowering cholesterol, reducing heart disease, and boosting metabolism.
Camelia Plants Can Grow to the Size of a Tree
In Japan, China, and Western countries, I have seen Camelia plants grown into bushes or even small trees. Some have flowers in 3 colours (white, pink, red) on one plant. There are some pink and red varieties in our Gardens by the Bay within the larger of two domes. Some photos of the plant in various locations overseas are also attached.
Dr. Tan It Koon 陈一军 博 士
Prior to retirement, Dr Tan It Koon was, among many appointments, Head of Clinical Biochemistry of SGH’s Dept of Pathology. He served on the Executive Board of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and the WHO Expert Panel on Healthcare Laboratories. He received the Inaugural Award for Distinguished Contributions to Clinical Biochemistry of the Asian & Pacific Federation of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, for which he was the Founding President.
On the artistic side, Dr Tan was the Deputy Chairman of the National Theatre Trust and Chairman of its Cultural Committee, looking after six music and dance affiliated groups. He was also Chairman for Grants and Scholarships of Spore Cultural Foundation, Member of the Ministry of Culture Committee for the “Music For Everyone” series of concerts, and Member of the Singapore Dance Theatre Board of Management. He was also President, Forum of Fine Arts and President, Southeast Asian Association of Art. Dr Tan has performed in solo, duet, two-pianos, and an orchestra in public concerts and radio/TV recording programmes.
Dr Tan received the National Day Awards, PBM and PPA, for his contribution to cultural and community development and excellence in public administration respectively.
