Nakayoshi-sōshi-arai

JCS., 1989, Japan Camellia, No.31, p.4: Medium size, semi-double of 14-16 rounded petals in 2-3 rows apart and a small, irregular stamen column with yellow anthers. Leaves glossy mid-green, elliptic, apices tapering acumi­nate, margins serrulate. Flowers are pure white or blush pink, densely speckled and striped red. The name Sōshi-arai, refers to an ancient Japanese story, when Komachi, a famous member of the Rokkasen (Six Poets) of the 9th century was accused of plagiarism by her rival during an Imperial poetry competition, who produced a copy of a book containing the poem she had just recited. Komachi established her innocence by washing the book in water, when the fresh ink of the poem disappeared, leaving the rest of the text intact. Sport of Sōshi-arai. Introduced by Tomoji, Kobayashi, Nagasaki Prefecture.