Chemical taxonomy of red-flowered wild Camellia species based on floral anthocyanins

► The Xinan district in China is the presumed site/center of origin of red-flowered Camellia species. ► The Huanan district might be considered as the secondary site/center of origin. ► Camellia saluenensis and Camellia reticulata are the most primitive species. ► The process of biosynthesis evolved from: 3,5-di-O-glucosylation to 3-O-glycosylation; 3-O-sambubiosylation to 3-O-glycosylationl; and p-coumaroylation to non-esterification.