Zhizibai

Watanabe & Andoh, 1980, Tsubaki, p.147 as ‘Chih-tzu-pai’: Small size, formal double. A sport of 'Zhizihong'. Leaves dark green, glossy, veinated obviously, elliptic, with apex apiculate, base cuneate, tip reflexed, measured 8.5 cm to 9.5 cm across by 3.5 cm to 4 cm wide, serrate shallowly and sparsely. Flower white. Petals mostly rounded, 63 segments, petals at inner rows recurved, while central petals arranged tightly in spiral as gardenia flowers, central petals not fully opening at initially blooming stage, diameter 6 cm to 8 cm, formal double, medium floral abundance. Flowers February to April, blooming in March.  Key points of identification: Easily confused with variety ‘Baibaota’, but central petals imbricated tightly in spiral as initially opening gardenia flowers.Originated in China.