by Stephen Utick
Bloom of Camellia japonica ‘Masayoshi’ (Donckelari)
Source Country – Japan
In 1830, the German physician Philipp Franz von Seibold (1796-1866) of the Dutch East India Company introduced into Europe a wonderful large size rose red double Camellia japonica from Japan, later given the name of ‘Donckelari’. Its original name was however ‘Masayoshi’, probably named after the owner of the original tree in Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture. First known record is a listing in Tsubaki Hanagata Tsuki Ovo’ echo in 1788 but the cultivar may be much older than this. ‘Masayoshi’ remains the most loved and characteristic of all the camellias of Kurume, and majestic specimens can be seen in many of the city’s suburbs, and particularly Kusano-machi with some there as old as 250-300 years. The oldest known specimen (over 300 years old), now standing at the height of 8 metres width and a crown of 7 metres was proudly displayed by its owner Mrs Hitoe Imamura during the 2010 International Camellia Congress held in Kurme. Even the shower of petals at the base of this tree formed a stunning natural carpet. This cultivar has long become famous across the world.
Mrs Hitoe Imamura welcomes visitors to her garden in Kusano-machi, Kurume to view her ‘Masayoshi’.
The carpet of petals under this majestic tree.
Sources: Executive Committee for 2010 International Camellia Congress in Jurume. Camellias is Kurume, 2010, Kurume, Japan, pp 32-34; Japan Camellia Society, Summaries of the Camellia-related Sites to be visited during The ICS Kurume Congress & Tours, 2010, Kurume, Japan; Short P and Short H, 2012, The First Ornamental Camellias in the West, Camellia News, The Journal of Camellias Australia Inc., No. 188-Autumn, pp 21-22; and International Camellia Society Web Camellia Register http://camellia.unipv.it/camelliadb2/dbwin.php?pipp0=13074, Photograpy by Stephen Utick, Pat and Herb Short, Compiled by Stephen Utick.
