What do Tea Plants look like?
Tea is a beverage that is enjoyed by many, but what is the origin of this delicious drink? Tea is made from the Camellia Sinensis plant, better known as the tea plant. Tea plants have a wide range of physical characteristics that have caused the plant to be admired by scientists and tea fans the world over.
Appearance
Tea plants usually grow to a height of about 1.2 – 3.0 meters. They have tough, leathery green or grey-green leaves and white, fragrant flowers. Its flowers are generally very small (1.5 cm in diameter) with four long and fragrant petals that come in colors of white, purplish or yellow.
Tea plants also have Prop roots. These are aerial roots that arise from the base of the stem, which helps the tea plant in holding on to soft, moist soils.
Climate Requirements
Tea plants are evergreen sub-tropical plants. They require warmth, sunshine, adequate water and acidic soils in order to thrive. Plants grown in cool climates are often given heat lamps in an effort to replicate ideal growing conditions.
Varieties
Although all tea plants belong to the same species, Camellia Sinensis, they still come in several varieties. The two major categories are the Chinese tea plant (Camellia Sinensis Sinensis) and the Assam tea plant (Camellia Sinensis Assamica).
- Camellia Sinensis Sinensis – is native to southwestern parts of China and grows best in cooler climates and mountain areas. It’s a shorter plant and the leaves are relatively thin.
- Camellia Sinensis Assamica– is native to the Assam region and grows in warmer climates. It is commonly grown at lower altitudes and has large, thick leaves.
No matter the variety, the tea plants provide us with the diverse and enjoyable beverage that many love.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the beauty of the tea plant is part of its appeal. With their tough, leathery leaves and fragrant flowers, it’s no wonder tea plants have become an admired species worldwide.
