Among the many wild camellias in Hong Kong, Hong Kong Camellia adorns the winter with its distinctive red flowers, blooming from December to February of the following year. Its red petals slightly fuse with one another at the base, complementing the dense cluster of stamens at the centre, making it to stand out among the camellias.

This species was first recorded in 1849 in a valley around Victoria Peak, where only three wild individuals were found at the time. Due to the scarcity of its wild population, Hong Kong Camellia has been listed in the Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong. Therefore, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department is carrying out seed collection, propagation, and ex-situ conservation to protect the species. At present, this rare gem can also be admired in the Hong Kong Wetland Park.