Stewartia_ovata
Stewartia ovata
Species of tree
Stewartia ovata, known commonly as mountain camellia,[4] is a small tree native to low to mid-elevations in the southern Appalachian Mountains and nearby regions from Mississippi to Virginia. It is a member of the Theaceae, the tea family.
Although not endangered, the plant does have a limited range and is uncommon throughout its range. Mountain camellia grows in the understory of predominantly hardwood forests and tends to be found near streams, usually at elevations below 800 m (2,600 ft).