Tea Plant

Camellia sinensis

Tea Plant is a special plant that makes tea! It has shiny leaves and loves warm, sunny places.

Habitat: Tea gardens

Appearance

The Tea Plant is a glossy-leaved evergreen shrub or small tree with dark green, leathery leaves and fragrant white or pinkish-white flowers. Its leaves are typically oval-shaped with serrated edges, and its delicate flowers feature prominent yellow stamens.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderEricalesFamilyTheaceaeGenusCamellia

Tea Plant

Interesting facts

All types of tea, like black and green, come from this one amazing plant!

Its tiny seeds can be pressed to make a special oil for cooking and cosmetics.

Some ancient tea plants growing wild are more than a thousand years old!

The world's most popular drink after water is made from its leaves. Wow!

Special abilities

Tea Plant can produce caffeine in its leaves, which helps it defend against insect pests by making them less likely to eat it.

Tea Plant has special compounds called polyphenols that help it protect against damage from UV light and insect attacks.

Tea Plant keeps its leaves all year, allowing it to photosynthesize and grow even during cooler seasons.

Measurements & details

Height: 100-1500 cm
Spread: 100-500 cm
Flower Size: 2-4 cm
Bloom Season: Fall to early winter
Is Edible: Yes
Toxicity: None
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

European honey bee

Apis mellifera

helps flowers produce seeds

pollinates

Common eastern bumblebee

Bombus impatiens

gathers nectar from its blooms

eaten by

Green tea leafhopper

Empoasca onukii

feeds on young tea leaves

parasitizes

Blister Blight fungus

Exobasidium vexans

causes leaf blight disease

Traits

Aromatic

Sniff out plants that release wonderful smells into the air! Their delightful fragrances attract pollinators or deter unwelcome visitors.

Evergreen

These wonderful plants keep their leaves or needles all year round, providing beautiful green scenery even in the chilliest months. They stay green forever!

Fruit Bearing

These amazing plants develop fruits, which often contain seeds and are sometimes delicious treats for us or wildlife. They're nature's way of spreading new life!

Medicinal

Discover special plants that people have used for centuries to help them feel better or stay healthy, often found in nature's own medicine cabinet.

Edible

Find plants that are safe and delicious to eat, offering tasty treats and nourishment from nature's pantry. Always check with an adult before tasting!