Camellia sinensis
Common name: Tea plant, tea tree
Camellia sinensis is believed to have originated in China and the Assam region of India. Every type of 'true tea' -- green, black, white, oolong and pu-erh -- is made from this single species. The young buds and leaves are used to create the lighter teas (green tea and white tea). These leaves are unoxidized. The older, more mature leaves are used to produce the darker teas (black tea and oolong). The unique flavours and colours of the teas are determined by how much the leaves are allowed to oxidize after being picked.
Legend says that tea was discovered by accident. In 2737 BCE, the Chinese emperor Shen Nung was boiling some water in a pot. Some Camellia sinensis leaves fell into the pot. He tasted the liquid and found it refreshing. This led to the birth of tea. Tea is now the second-most consumed drink in the world after water.
C. sinensis is an evergreen shrub in the family Theaceae. This shrub can grow up to 4 metres (15 feet) high in its natural habitat but is pruned to waist high, about 1 or 2 metres (3-6 feet) tall for ease of harvesting.
C. sinensis thrives with mild temperatures, abundant rainfall, and an acidic, well-draining soil. It has delicate, gently scented, white flowers with golden stamens. These flowers bloom in late fall or early winter. C. sinensis leaves are shiny, dark green, serrated, and have a leathery texture. Their undersides are pale green and fuzzy when young.
Aside from the production of tea, C. sinensis has other uses, The seeds are pressed to create oil which is used in cooking, and to make cosmetics. The plant itself is a useful landscape plant with its beautiful flowers and foliage. In China, Japan, and India, it is central to ceremonies and traditions. As well, C. sinensis leaves are rich in antioxidants and health-promoting polyphenols and are used in traditional medicine.
The genus name honours Georg Joseph Kamel, a Moravian-born Jesuit missionary to the Philippines. He was noted for his work on Oriental plants. The specific epithet means 'from China'.
The photos were taken of two shrubs in Bed 85 during the winter of 2025-26.
Text and photos in the Garden by Kumi Sutcliffe