Theaceae FAMILY

Camellia sinensis

Edibility

5/5

Medicinal

4/5

Safety & Hazards

None known

Botanical Description

Camellia sinensis is an evergreen, multi-stemmed shrub growing up to 3 metres tall (var sinensis), or a tree that can reach 10 - 15 metres tall with one main stem (var assamica). In cultivation the plants are usually kept pruned to a height of 1 - 1.5 metres and trained as a low profusely branching and spreading bush[ 266 Title Flora of China Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/ Publisher Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis. Year 1994 ISBN Description An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available. , 303 Title World Agroforesty Centre Publication Author Website http://www.worldagroforestry.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An excellent online database of a huge range of trees giving very good information on each plant - its uses, ecology, identity, propagation, pests etc. ]. Tea made from this species is one of the most commonly consumed drinks in the world with a history of cultivation going back 4,000 years in China. It is widely cultivated, especially in the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. The plant also has a wide range of other uses, as a source of oil, medicines, materials etc. The plant can be grown as an ornamental, where it can be used as a hedge.

Habitat & Origin

Origintemperate

Native RangeE. Asia - the exact origin is uncertain, but it is probably wild in southern China, northeast India, through Indo-China, southern Japan and Korea

HabitatEvergreen broad-leaved forests, thickets; at elevations from 100 - 2,200 metres[ 266 Title Flora of China Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/ Publisher Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis. Year 1994 ISBN Description An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available. ]. Shaded areas[ 192 Title Narcotic Plants Publication Author Emboden. W. Publisher Studio Vista Year 1979 ISBN 0-289-70864-8 Description A lot of details about the history, chemistry and use of narcotic plants, including hallucinogens, stimulants, inebriants and hypnotics. ] at an elevation from 2,100 - 2,700 metres in Yunnan[ 11 Title Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Publication Author Bean. W. Publisher Murray Year 1981 ISBN - Description A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures. ].