How to identify Tea (Camellia sinensis)
Tea, also known as Tea Plant, Tea Tree, Assam Tea, Black Tea, White Tea, Chai, Teaplant, Matcha, Tea Leaf
Tea is an evergreen shrub or small tree with a notable ability to withstand cold temperatures, being hardy into Zone 6. It typically bears small, glossy green leaves, which are harvested early in the spring. The foliage may vary in size with young, tender leaves associated with higher-grade teas. Tea can grow up to heights of 15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters), although often less, and display a bushy habit. Its leaves are pivotal to its identification and cultivation.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Shrub
Leaf Type: Evergreen
Dark green leaves with serrated margins vary between 2-5 inches (5-12.7 cm).
Fragrant white or pink-tinged flowers with 7-8 petals bloom in fall to winter.
3-lobed dark brown fruit cracks to reveal 3 substantial seeds after 12 months.
Evergreen shrub/tree can reach 15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters) with glossy leaves.
Hardy to Zone 6, tea produces vibrant green capsules that ripen to dark brown.
The leaves of tea are alternate, simple, and lustrous with a dark green color on the upper surface and light green underneath. They have a serrated margin. The var. assamica leaves are larger, measuring 3-5 inches (7.5-12.7 cm) and less serrated. The var. sinensis leaves are smaller, at 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm). Young leaves are sparsely hairy and become glabrous with age.
Tea produces fragrant flowers that are 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm) in diameter. Each flower features 7-8 white or pink-tinged petals surrounding a prominent cluster of yellow stamens. They bloom in the fall to early winter and appear either singly or in clusters. The flowers begin to appear when the plant is about 4 years old, making them a seasonal highlight during the cooler months.
The fruit of tea is a 3-lobed capsule that starts as a vivid green and ripens to a dark brown. It has a smooth texture and, upon maturity, it naturally cracks open to reveal 3 rounded-cuneate seeds nestled inside. The seeds themselves are substantial, taking approximately up to 12 months to fully mature from the initial bud blossom stage. Once ripened, the fruit's dimensions and distinctive coloration make it noticeable against the foliage.
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Scientific Classification of Tea
