椿
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camellia
On-Yomi: チン、チュン — Kun-Yomi: つばき
Koohii stories:
1) [Johnnyltn] 14-3-2007(280): The tree of spring. Fact: Camellia are highly valued in Japan and elsewhere for their very early flowering, often among the first flowers to appear in the late winter [early spring?].
2) [dingomick] 5-3-2007(43): Anyone who's lived in Japan knows camellia are by far the first tree of spring to flower. And how can you miss those shockingly pink flowers!
3) [theasianpleaser] 2-1-2009(14): The camellia tree got its name from all the chameleons that cover every part of it during the spring.
4) [kanjihito] 23-4-2012(8): The camellia is the tree which brings out its own springtime, even when it's not springtime, as it blooms around January.
5) [sskaggs] 22-10-2011(5): The camellia is the famous tree you see blooming in early spring, and also, the camellia is taken from its tree to be used in "flowering tea," as a small way to bring spring into your tea breaks. —- Ways you've seen camellias that may help memorization: the tree called C. Japonica is in the camellia family, flowering teas (where the tea in sewn to a camellia flower which "blooms" when brewed, and this kanji is read as つばき, which is a very common anime name. similar chrysanthemum (#927 菊), wisteria (#1210 藤).