Definition: The plant used to make teas, including white, green, oolong, black, yellow and pu-erh. It is not used to make "herbal teas," such as chamomile, mint and rooibos.
Typically, the leaves and buds (small, partially formed leaves) of the tea plant are used to make tea. Sometimes the twigs and flowers are also used.
There are many sub-varieties of the camellia Sinensis plant, some of which are used to make specific types of tea. Although the tea plant typically flourishes in tropical climates, some varietals of the tea plant also grow well in cooler climates, like that of the Pacific Northwest.
In many tea gardens and plantations, tea plants are kept as shrubs, but they will grow into small trees if left untrimmed. Some say that taller tea plants typically have larger root structures, which results in a more nutrient-rich, flavorful tea.
The tea plant is thought to have originated near the Yunnan region of China, and the name camellia Sinensis is Latin for "Chinese camellia."
Typically, the leaves and buds (small, partially formed leaves) of the tea plant are used to make tea. Sometimes the twigs and flowers are also used.
There are many sub-varieties of the camellia Sinensis plant, some of which are used to make specific types of tea. Although the tea plant typically flourishes in tropical climates, some varietals of the tea plant also grow well in cooler climates, like that of the Pacific Northwest.
In many tea gardens and plantations, tea plants are kept as shrubs, but they will grow into small trees if left untrimmed. Some say that taller tea plants typically have larger root structures, which results in a more nutrient-rich, flavorful tea.
The tea plant is thought to have originated near the Yunnan region of China, and the name camellia Sinensis is Latin for "Chinese camellia."
Pronunciation: cam-mill-ee-ah sin-inn-sis
Also Known As: tea plant, tea bush, tea tree
Common Misspellings: camelia sinensis, camellia sinesis, cammelia sinensis, camillia sinensis
