Camellias belong to the genus Camellia L. and are native to East Asia, particularly China, Korea and Japan, where they have long been revered as a symbol of longevity, devotion and elegance. Their initial cultivation owed mainly to the commercial value of species such as Camellia oleifera, used to extract high-quality oils, and Camellia sinensis, used to make tea, which has been considered a natural remedy since around 2700 BCE.
The camellia’s use as an ornamental plant appears to have originated in the Buddhist monasteries and Shinto shrines in China and Japan between the 7th and 10th centuries. It has enjoyed a storied history, from its original cultivation in Asia to its introduction to Europe in the 18th century, where it soon became highly sought-after. Portugal has a special affinity with the camellia and has always been one of its biggest proponents in Europe, its trade links with the East meaning it was one of the first European countries to witness the plant’s arrival.
In the Azores, the first ornamental camellias arrived in the first half of the 19th century, bringing with them an Oriental charm that continues to thrive in the archipelago today. This natural heritage, found in parks, estates and small public and private gardens, is not only a symbol of beauty, but also a living testament to Azorean history and sensibility. For many, camellias evoke memories of childhood, family gatherings, homes and communal spaces, where they have traditionally been an integral decorative feature, eternalising endearment and nostalgia with a beauty that transcends generations.
A significant portion of this botanical heritage is preserved in Parque Terra Nostra, which dates back to the 18th century and still harbours centuries-old camellias, whose smooth, majestic trunks really set them apart. These specimens represent a living genetic heritage of inestimable value, which tells us stories of the past and encourages us to preserve this glorious legacy for future generations. This heritage has been enhanced by the introduction of hundreds of new cultivars, which have thrived in the Furnas Valley’s soil and climate, including in Parque Terra Nostra’s shaded areas. This recent collection, around twenty years old, occupies some 19,000 m2 and was recently awarded the prestigious title of International Camellia Garden of Excellence. This accolade, awarded by the InternationalCamellia Society, reaffirms Parque Terra Nostra’s status as an international site of excellence, distinguishing it as a benchmark in botany and a symbol of the conservation and appreciation of camellias.
This philatelic issue celebrates the camellia as a link between the legacy of the past and a future marked by innovation and a dedication to gardening, embodying a keen interest in the acclimatisation of rare species and promotion of biodiversity. Quite apart from their ornamental beauty, camellias are also a source of food for pollinators, contributing to balanced ecosystems and reinforcing harmony between man and nature.
Carina Amaral Costa Parque Terra Nostra
