Camellia sinensis /kəˈmiːli.ə siːˈnẽː.sɪs/
Common name: Tea plant · Tea shrub · Tea tree
Camellia sinensis is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the family Theaceae, native to East Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and Southeast Asia. It has glossy elliptical leaves and small white fragrant flowers with numerous yellow stamens. Its young leaves and leaf buds are harvested and processed to make tea, making it one of the most economically important cultivated plants in the world.
Care summary
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Water
Regular moisture; needs high rainfall or irrigation
Soil
Acidic, well-drained, fertile soil
Hardiness
Zones 7–9
Mature height
About 100–200 cm (3–6 ft) pruned; taller unpruned
Pet safe
Leaves contain caffeine; keep pets from chewing
Difficulty
Moderate
Propagation
Propagated from seed sown fresh, or more reliably from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Take cuttings with a few leaves, insert into an acidic, well-draining mix, and keep warm and humid until rooted. Air layering is also possible on established shrubs.
Fun facts
- Green, black, white, oolong, and pu-erh teas all come from this single species — the difference is in how the leaves are processed.
- Two main varieties are grown commercially: var. sinensis (China type) and var. assamica (Assam type from India).
- Some tea trees in Yunnan, China, are believed to be over a thousand years old.
- On tea estates the shrubs are kept pruned to about waist height to make hand-plucking easier.