Benten (Hertrich)

Hertrich, 1955, Camellias in Huntington Gardens, p.40, 41, black and white photo as ‘Benten’: Flower, single, Currant Red, 821/2 and /3 with darker veins, 8 cm broad by 6.5 cm deep. Petals in 5 segments united at the base, erect in a cup-shape; broadly ovate, 6.5 cm by 4.5 cm; outer segments reflexed on full opening; epically notched. Stamens: cylindrical column with creamy white filaments, fused to petal base; light golden anthers. Mid­season flowering. Leaves: ovate, base rounded, 9-10 cm long by 5-6 cm wide; apex long pointed; serrations shallow and broad. The origin of this Huntington Gardens ‘Benten’ is not known but it is not the true Benten as it has plain green leaves while the true Benten has genetically variegated leaves.