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Description
Camellia Sinensis, also known as the tea plant, is an evergreen shrub or small tree that belongs to the Theaceae family. It is native to East Asia, specifically China, Japan, and Taiwan, but is also grown in other parts of the world, including India, Sri Lanka, and Kenya.The plant has been cultivated for thousands of years for its leaves, which are used to make tea. There are two main varieties of Camellia Sinensis: Camellia Sinensis var. sinensis and Camellia Sinensis var. assamica. The former is mainly grown in China and produces green teas, while the latter is mainly grown in India and produces black teas.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Theaceae |
| Genus | Camellia |
| Species | Camellia Sinensis |
Appearance
Camellia Sinensis can grow up to 30 feet tall, but is usually pruned to a height of 3-5 feet for tea production. The plant has dark green, glossy, and leathery leaves that are elliptical or lanceolate in shape and grow up to 4 inches long. Its white flowers are small and have a scent similar to jasmine.
Care Guide
Camellia Sinensis requires well-draining soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH of 6.0-6.5. It prefers partial shade or filtered sunlight, and needs to be watered regularly to keep the soil moist. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during the growing season. Camellia Sinensis can grow in hardiness zones 7-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Camellia Sinensis can be affected by pests such as aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. It can also be susceptible to diseases such as root rot, gray mold, and tea green mosaic virus. To prevent these issues, keep the plant well-ventilated and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Camellia Sinensis is native to East Asia, where it grows in humid conditions with mild temperatures. It prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic, and can grow in altitudes ranging from sea level to 7,000 feet.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Camellia Sinensis be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Camellia Sinensis can be grown indoors as long as it receives enough sunlight and is kept in well-draining soil.
Q: How long does it take for Camellia Sinensis to mature?
A: Camellia Sinensis can take 3-5 years to mature enough for tea production.
Q: Can Camellia Sinensis be used to make other types of tea besides green and black tea?
A: Yes, Camellia Sinensis can also be used to make oolong, white, and yellow teas.
Q: How often should Camellia Sinensis be pruned?
A: Camellia Sinensis should be pruned once a year after the growing season to maintain its shape and promote new growth.
Related Plants
- Camellia Japonica
- Camellia Sasanqua
- Camellia Reticulata
- Camellia Oleifera
References
- “Camellia Sinensis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d580
- “Camellia Sinensis.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/20860/Camellia-sinensis/Details
- “Camellia Sinensis.” The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/growing-camellia-sinensis-tea-plant-1402728
