Tea Plant | Camellia sinensis

Type         : Live Plant
Plant Size: 8" - 12" Inches

Camellia sinensis, widely known as the tea plant, is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the Theaceae family. It is the source of all true tea varieties, including white, yellow, green, oolong, black, and dark teas, each differing in their processing methods to achieve varying levels of oxidation. The plant can also produce Kukicha (twig tea), made from its twigs and stems rather than the leaves.

Description

Native to East Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, and Southeast Asia, Camellia sinensis is now cultivated worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical climates. It typically grows as a shrub or small tree, usually kept under 2 meters in height when grown for tea production. This plant features glossy, dark green leaves that range from 4 to 15 cm in length and 2 to 5 cm in width. The flowers are small, yellow-white, and about 2.5 to 4 cm in diameter, with seven or eight petals.

The plant's young, light-green leaves, often covered with fine white hairs, are prized for tea making. The leaves and leaf buds contain caffeine, theobromine, and other compounds that contribute to the distinctive flavors of the tea. The most prized parts of the plant—the bud and the first few leaves—are hand-harvested every one to two weeks, ensuring the best quality tea.

In addition to tea, Camellia sinensis seeds are used to produce tea oil, a sweet-flavored oil for cooking and seasoning, which should not be confused with tea tree oil. This plant's versatility extends beyond tea, with research continuing to unlock its potential.