Scientific Name
Other Names
Life Form
Synonyms
Family
Industrial - The primary use is for tea production, including black tea, green tea, oolong tea, and white tea. Medicinal - It has some medicinal properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Food - Leaves are used to prepare infusion to drink.
China, India, Myanmar
It grows best in subtropical climates with moderate rainfall and well-drained soils. Thrives at elevations between 600-2000 meters.
It is an evergreen shrub or small tree, typically 2-15 meters tall.
Stems are woody and branched, forming a shrub or small tree. Bark is typically smooth and grayish-brown.
Leaves are simple, alternate, and elliptical or lanceolate in shape. They are 4-15 cm long and 2-7 cm wide, with a leathery texture. The upper surface is dark green and glossy, while the lower surface is paler. Leaf margins are serrated.
Flowers are solitary or in small clusters, white or pale pink, with 5-9 petals. They are fragrant and typically 2-4 cm in diameter.
Fruit is a woody capsule, containing 1-3 seeds.
Flowering: Spring
Fruiting: Summer to late autumn