Camellia kissi wallich (Theaceae): A newly recorded tree from Taiwan

During our botanical exploration of the mountains of Chihpen, Taitung County in September 2005, we collected an unknown Camellia which was subsequently identified as Camellia kissi Wallich, a species widely distributed from the Himalayas to South China. The newly recorded species is easily distinguished from its congeners in Taiwan by the pyriform capsules. In the present article, a description, line drawing, photos taken in the wild, and a key to the species of Camellia section Paracamellia in Taiwan are provided. The conservation status for C. kissi is also evaluated.