Japonica

Japonica is a Latin epithet used in the scientific names of various organisms to signify a connection with Japan. In taxonomy, such epithets are descriptive additions to a genus name rather than taxonomic ranks. The term appears in multiple groups, most prominently in two cultivated taxa: Camellia japonica and Oryza sativa japonica.

Camellia japonica, commonly known as the common camellia, is an evergreen shrub native to East Asia (China and Japan). It is widely cultivated for its glossy leaves and large, often rose-like flowers that bloom in cooler months. Numerous cultivars exist with a range of flower forms and colors, making it a popular ornamental plant in temperate gardens.

Oryza sativa japonica, or japonica rice, is one of the two major subspecies of Asian rice, the other being indica. Japonica varieties are typically short to medium grain and tend to be stickier when cooked compared with indica varieties. They are commonly grown in temperate regions of East Asia and are a staple in Japanese and Korean cuisines.

The epithet japonica is Latin for “of Japan” and is used for species whose discovery, origin, or appearance is associated with Japan, though the exact origin can be uncertain in some cases. The name does not imply a close taxonomic relationship among all species bearing the japonica epithet.