Tea plant, Common Tea
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Angiosperms, Class: Eudicots, Order: Ericales, Family: Theaceae, Genus: Camellia, Species: Camellia sinensis · Theaceae (Tea family) · Simple; evergreen
Species
Camellia sinensis (Confidence Level: High)
Leaf Type
Simple; evergreen
Family
Theaceae (Tea family)
Shape
Elliptic to oblong-lanceolate
Size
Approximately 2-3 inches long; standard for young commercial foliage. Mature leaves can reach 1.5 to 6 inches.
Margin
Serrate (saw-toothed), particularly on the upper two-thirds of the margin.
Arrangement
Alternate
Rarity
Common (Extremely common in cultivation; wild ancestral specimens are rare).
Color & Pattern
Bright lime green to medium green. Younger leaves like these are paler. No variegation is present; some minor brown spotting (necrosis) is visible on the edges.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate/Reticulate; the midrib is prominent, and secondary veins are visible radiating toward the serrated edges.
Texture & Surface
Leathery (coriaceous) and smooth (glabrous) on the upper surface; young leaves often have fine white hairs (pubescence) on the underside.
Description
An evergreen shrub or small tree that can reach 30 feet if left unpruned. In cultivation, it is kept as a 3-foot bush. It features small white, fragrant flowers with numerous yellow stamens and dark green, glossy foliage.
Key Features
Serrate leaf margins, alternate arrangement, leathery texture, and the characteristic young leaf buds often known as 'pekoe'.
Habitat
Subtropical to tropical climates; prefers well-drained, acidic soil (pH 4.5–5.5), high humidity, and partial shade or filtered sunlight.
Geographic Range
Native to East Asia (China, India, Southeast Asia). Widely cultivated globally in tropical and subtropical regions.
Condition Notes
Fair. The leaves show some minor mechanical damage and brown necrotic spots on the margins and petiole base, possibly due to low humidity or handling.
Interesting Facts
All true teas—black, green, oolong, white, and pu-erh—come from this single species. The difference lies in the oxidation and processing methods.
Medicinal & Uses
Primary source of tea; high in antioxidants (catechins) and caffeine. Historically used for alertness and cardiovascular health. Timber is used for firewood; seeds produce tea oil.
Ecological Role
Provides habitat for various insects and spiders in plantation ecosystems. Flowers are pollinated by bees. Long-lived species that can survive for centuries.
Similar Species
Camellia japonica (has larger, glossier leaves and bigger flowers) and Camellia oleifera (used primarily for oil).
Foraging Tips
Look for the tiny, silky white hairs on the underside of new leaf buds. In the field, tea plants are usually found in neat, manicured rows on hillsides in tea-growing regions.
Toxicity Warning
Safe for human consumption as tea. Generally non-toxic, though high caffeine content can affect sensitive individuals or pets if ingested in large quantities.