Coal made from camellia wood was considered "highly combustible, providing long-lasting mild heat without sparks." Ashes of the camellia wood was used as a catalyst for purple and safflower dyes. Since camellia wood is not only hard and solid, but also heavy, viscous and glossy, it was widely used as a material for utensils and tools like plates, cups and combs, as well as for making crafts such as kokeshi dolls.

The entire camellia plant was made use of in the past, including the seed, the wood, coal and ashes. But its utility decreased with the emergence of substitute materials. Still, the ornamental quality of the camellia blooms are highly prized and the hybridizing of camellias has become popular among breeders in an attempt to create new varieties with larger and more beautiful flowers.