The Middlemist’s Red Camellia is a botanical marvel, holding the designation as the rarest flower in the world. With only two known specimens surviving in cultivation today, the flower’s remarkable journey from its native continent to the other side of the globe is a story of discovery, human fascination, and near-extinction. This exquisite bloom serves as a living relic, representing a dramatic period in horticultural history.
Botanical Identity and Native Origin
The plant is scientifically identified as Camellia japonica ‘Middlemist’s Red,’ a specific cultivar within the Theaceae family, which also includes the tea plant. This evergreen shrub originated in China, its native territory, where it was cultivated for centuries. Taxonomically, it is defined by its large, dense, double-petaled structure, resembling a rose or peony. Despite the name, the flower’s true shade is a deep rose-pink, framed by glossy, dark green foliage. It requires specific conditions, preferring slightly acidic soil and a temperate climate to thrive.
The Journey West and Naming
The fate of this Chinese native changed dramatically in 1804 when London nurseryman John Middlemist discovered the bloom near Guangzhou, China. While on a plant-collecting expedition, he recognized its unique beauty and horticultural value. Middlemist acquired a specimen and transported it back to the United Kingdom. Upon his return, he presented the plant to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in London. The flower was subsequently named ‘Middlemist’s Red’ in honor of the man who preserved it by bringing it to the West.
Extinction and Extreme Rarity
The Middlemist’s Red holds the status of being extinct in its native environment, a direct result of its desirability. After the original specimen was transported to England, the wild population in China began to disappear completely. Historical accounts suggest that by the mid-1820s, the flower had vanished from the Chinese landscape. The likely cause of this disappearance was a combination of over-cultivation and habitat loss driven by the relentless demand for exotic species. Plant collectors and nurserymen over-harvested the flower to sell cuttings, ultimately depleting the natural stock and preventing the plant from regenerating in the wild.
Global Locations and Preservation Efforts
The global population of this unique cultivar consists of only two known specimens, both of which are carefully maintained in controlled environments. One of the surviving plants is housed in the conservatory at Chiswick House in West London, where it has bloomed since its relocation there in the 19th century. The second confirmed location is at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in New Zealand. Conservationists are engaged in continuous efforts to ensure the long-term survival of this genetic line. Propagation must be managed with care, often relying on specialized techniques like grafting.