| Mountain-Camellia, a deciduous large shrub or small tree, is a rare component of the understory of deciduous forests, with a scattered distribution in the North Carolina Piedmont and Mountains. In the Piedmont, as here in Hanging Rock State Park, it is often found in north-facing ravines in openings of Rhododendron-dominated slopes. Spectacular white Camellia-like flowers appear in mid-summer. The ones at left are not fully open. Common names include Mountain Stewartia. The hyphen in Mountain-Camellia is to indicate that it is not a true Camellia. Hanging Rock State Park, Stokes Co., NC 7/3/09.
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| Stewartia ovata has 5 separate styles, while the similar Stewartia malacodendron has one style with a 5-lobed stigma. Hanging Rock State Park, Stokes Co., NC 7/3/09.
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| Hanging Rock State Park, Stokes Co., NC 7/3/09.
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| The leaves are broadly ovate, broader than those of Stewartia malacodendron. Hanging Rock State Park, Stokes Co., NC 7/3/09.
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| Hanging Rock State Park, Stokes Co., NC 7/3/09.
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| Hanging Rock State Park, Stokes Co., NC 6/14/09.
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| Hanging Rock State Park, Stokes Co., NC 6/14/09.
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| Flowers about to open are globe-shaped. Hanging Rock State Park, Stokes Co., NC 6/14/09.
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| Hanging Rock State Park, Stokes Co., NC 6/14/09.
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| Dry seed capsules split open when mature. This one is from the previous year. Hanging Rock State Park, Stokes Co., NC 6/14/09.
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| The edges of the leaf are ciliate, with "eyelashes". Hanging Rock State Park, Stokes Co., NC 6/14/09.
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| Leaf underside. Hanging Rock State Park, Stokes Co., NC 6/14/09.
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| Hanging Rock State Park, Stokes Co., NC 6/14/09.
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| Hanging Rock State Park, Stokes Co., NC 6/14/09.
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| The bark has intersecting ridges. Hanging Rock State Park, Stokes Co., NC 6/14/09.
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More information:
Tree Trail
Recommended Tree, Shrub, and Woody Vine Identification Guides
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