企画展示

Outline of Exhibition

Camellia sasanqua, or "sasanka" is a shrub that is native to Japan and one of the few plants to brighten gardens in winter the same as camellia. As part of the Special Program "Traditional Plants of the Seasons", the Botanical Garden of Everyday Life has gathered and exhibited sasanquas since 2001. These include unique species called "Edo sasanqua" and "Higo sasanqua."

Sasanquas are classified into three main categories: "Camellia sasanqua" that is almost indigenous, "Camellia X hiemalis" that is thought to be grown by a seed of Shishigashira or its progeny, and "Camellia X vernalis" that is thought to be the natural hybrid between sasanqua and camellia or its progeny. They flower from mid October through to the following February in the above order of each group. All of these types have been selected from varieties grown by seed, and the method of preserving and spreading varieties is a major feature of horticulture in Japan.

The Botanical Garden of Everyday Life has focused attention on the relationship between people and sasanquas through two perspectives of genetic resources and cultural heritage, and has displayed the result of studies on living plants together with historical documents. This year's Special Program "Winter Flowers 'Camellia Sasanqua'" focuses on flower shapes, changes in flowers, and the pleasure of ornamental flowers.

Exhibition Lineup

The exhibition features 70 strains of Camellia sasanqua, 43 strains of Camellia X hiemalis, and 32 strains of Camellia X vernalis cultivated and raised by adding new collections to the varieties that were donated to the Botanical Garden of Everyday Life in 2000. They are displayed in pots around the arbor and in greenhouses. Some are planted in permanent sites.

Panels are also displayed to describe sasanqua's flower shapes, changes in flowers, etc.

Note: Please note that items in the exhibition are subject to change.