546 Description of the Species of Camellia and Thea. 



The present plant is of later introduction than either the 

 Porapone or Paeony-flowered, and I believe was first im- 

 ported for the Royal Garden, Kew, in 1816. In the same year 

 I am informed by Mr. Sabine, another plant of it was brought 

 home by Captain Welbank, for Charles H. Turner, 

 Esq. of Rooksnest, which produced perfect flowers of the 

 four above-mentioned varieties. I have also occasionally seen 

 them on the plant presented to the Society by Mr. Turner, 

 in 1820, but generally it only produces those of the Red 

 and Blush Paeony-flowered, and the Pompone. 



11. Camellia Japonica Pomponia. 

 Pompone, or Kew Blush Camellia. 

 By many this has been considered a doubtful variety, but 

 after having observed it for several years invariably produce 

 the same sort of flowers, I am decidedly of opinion that in 

 this respect it is as permanent and distinct a variety as any in 

 cultivation. 



In growth it is more slender and erect than almost any 

 of the other sorts. The shoots are also of a paler colour, and 

 but thinly clothed with foliage. It is believed to have been 

 first imported for the Royal Garden, Kew, about the year 

 1810, and is generally known by the name of the Pompone, 

 or Kew Blush Camellia. 



The leaves although comparatively narrow are of an oval form, much recurved 

 and pointed. They may be said to be usually about 3| inches long, and rather 

 more than If inch broad, but seldom exceed this size. Their edges are slightly 

 revolute, and very sharply serrated. The midrib and veins are conspicuous on 

 the upper side, from being paler than the uniform colour of the leaves, which is 

 always a peculiarly rich shining deep green. Petioles upwards of half an inch 

 long, nearly round, or but a very little flattened on the upper side, and of the 

 same colour as the veins and midrib. The flower-buds are at first a good deal 

 pointed, but afterwards they become blunt and round. The scales are thin and 



