Camellia sinensis, commonly known as the tea plant, is native to East Asia, particularly the area around the juncture of Northeast India, North Burma, Southwest China, and Tibet. Its use in tea production likely started in China around 2737 BC during the reign of Emperor Shennong, according to legend. Common names include tea plant, tea shrub, and tea tree.
Tea spread from China to Japan by Buddhist monks around the 6th century. By the 9th century, tea became a staple in Japanese culture. Tea made its way to Europe in the 16th century via Portuguese traders, but it was the British who popularized tea consumption in the West, leading to the establishment of tea plantations in India in the 19th century to break the Chinese monopoly.
Tea has played a significant role in various cultures, not only as a beverage but also in ceremonies, trade, health, and politics. It’s central to Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and British tea cultures, among others.
Characteristics
- Plant Type: Camellia sinensis is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow to heights of 30 feet (9 meters) if left unpruned, but is usually kept much shorter for ease of leaf harvesting.
- Leaves: The leaves are glossy, leathery, and serrated. They are usually 4–15 cm long and 2–5 cm wide. The young leaves, which are light green and often covered with fine hairs, are preferred for making tea.
- Flowers: The plant produces small white flowers with yellow stamens, about 2.5–4 cm in diameter, which are slightly fragrant. These flowers can produce seeds for propagation.
- Varieties: There are two primary varieties:
- Camellia sinensis var. sinensis – Chinese tea, with smaller leaves, more cold-resistant.
- Camellia sinensis var. assamica – Assam tea, larger leaves, grows in warmer climates.
Cultivation
- Climate: Thrives in subtropical to tropical climates but can be grown in temperate regions with protection. Ideal temperatures are between 10°C to 30°C (50°F to 86°F).
- Soil: Prefers well-drained, acidic soils with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5. It grows well in soil rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: Requires partial shade, especially in hotter climates, though it can tolerate full sun in cooler areas.
- Watering: Needs consistent moisture but should not be waterlogged. Rainfall of about 100-150 cm annually is ideal, with irrigation used where rainfall is insufficient.
- Pruning: Regular pruning keeps the plant at a manageable height for leaf harvesting, promotes new growth, and improves air circulation.
- Harvesting: Leaves are usually plucked by hand, focusing on the bud and the two youngest leaves. The timing and frequency of harvest depend on the type of tea being produced (green, black, oolong, etc.).
- Pests and Diseases: Common issues include tea mosquito bug, leafhoppers, and various fungal diseases like blister blight. Integrated pest management and organic cultivation practices are often used.
- Propagation: Can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Seeds need to be fresh as they lose viability quickly, while cuttings can ensure the propagation of specific desirable traits.
- Economic Uses: Beyond tea, the plant’s seeds can be pressed for oil, which is used in cooking, cosmetics, and as a lubricant.
- Environmental Adaptability: While primarily cultivated for tea, Camellia sinensis can be grown as an ornamental shrub or as part of a biodiversity-friendly farming system, providing habitat for wildlife.