Shiratama-Reikanji

Tuyama, 1966, Camellias Cultivars of Japan, p.88; Tuyama, 1968, Camellias of Japan, pl.9, p.5, description, p.87: Leaves thick, broad­-elliptic, apex suddenly acute, deep green. Flower pure white, petals broad and wavy at margin, keeping a ball shape for a period before fully opening. Thick stamen column. Blooms mid-sea­son to late. One of the most beloved cultivars for the tea ceremony. There are many similar cul­tivars in Kyōto. ‘Shiratama’ is a common name for the single white camellia and there are many of this name distinguished only by slight differences such as Honshiratama (Genuine ‘Shiratama) Akayama-shiratama (‘Shiratama’ from Akayama) etc. See: Katei Gahō, ed., 1984, Chabana Koyomi vol.I, Tsubaki, p.43 as ‘Shiratama’