Golden Camellias: A Review
Tran Duc Manh
Department of Planning and Finance, Silviculture Research Institute, Vietnamese Academy of Forest Sciences, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Nguyen Toan Thang
Department of Silviculture Foundation, Silviculture Research Institute, Vietnamese Academy of Forest Sciences, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Hoang Thanh Son
Department of Forest Phytodiversity, Silviculture Research Institute, Vietnamese Academy of Forest Sciences, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Dang Van Thuyet
Department of Silviculture Techniques, Silviculture Research Institute, Vietnamese Academy of Forest Sciences, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Phung Dinh Trung
Department of Planning and Finance, Silviculture Research Institute, Vietnamese Academy of Forest Sciences, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Nguyen Van Tuan
Department of Planning and Finance, Silviculture Research Institute, Vietnamese Academy of Forest Sciences, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Dao Trung Duc
Department of Silviculture Techniques, Silviculture Research Institute, Vietnamese Academy of Forest Sciences, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Mai Thi Linh
Department of Silviculture Techniques, Silviculture Research Institute, Vietnamese Academy of Forest Sciences, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Vu Tien Lam
Department of Silviculture Foundation, Silviculture Research Institute, Vietnamese Academy of Forest Sciences, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Nguyen Huu Thinh
Department of Agroforestry, Silviculture Research Institute, Vietnamese Academy of Forest Sciences, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Nguyen Thi Thu Phuong
Department of Silviculture Foundation, Silviculture Research Institute, Vietnamese Academy of Forest Sciences, Hanoi, Vietnam.
Tran Van Do *
Department of Planning and Finance, Silviculture Research Institute, Vietnamese Academy of Forest Sciences, Hanoi, Vietnam.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Golden camellias or yellow camellias are species belonging to genus Camellia L., family Theaceae. Fifty two species were described in southern China and Vietnam. Active ingredients such as polysaccharides, polyphenols, saponins, and flavonoids are well known characteristics of golden camellias. Its leaves and flowers have been long traditionally used for health improvement. It was found to be able to inhibit transplanted cancer, lower blood pressure, lower blood lipid, lower cholesterol, and prevent atherosclerosis. Currently, it costs 320–700US$ per one kg of dry flowers. Such price attracts many local ethnic people to plant golden camellias for poverty reduction. This work reviews (1) species and natural distribution, (2) uses and healthcare values, (3) techniques for seedling production, planting and tending, and (4) opportunities and challenges for future development of golden camellias.
Keywords: Active ingredient, Camellia L., poverty reduction, shade-tolerant species, yellow flower