Scientific Name of Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis)

The Scientific name of Tea is Camellia sinensis. The scientific name helps in defining the genus and species of an organism for taxonomical purposes. Tea is made by boiling fresh water, adding leaf buds and young leaves, and then steeping it. It is possible for the leaves to be fermented or unfermented.

What is the Scientific Name of Tea?

Camellia sinensis is the Scientific name for the tea plant, which is grown for its leaves. The tea plant belongs to the Theaceae family and its genus is Camellia. The Camellia sinensis plant is used to make a variety of teas, including black tea, green tea, white tea, and oolong tea, which are all available on the market. Tea plants usually grow in regions with cold temperatures. The maximum production of tea leaves occurs in Assam in India and China. The two members of the botanical name of tea and family are C. Sinensis Sinensis and C. Sinensis assamica.

History of Tea Plant

Tea's history starts in ancient China (2700 BCE), where it was first utilized for its therapeutic benefits. In order to produce a revitalizing beverage, they would boil fresh tea leaves in water. Tea swiftly changed from being a therapeutic beverage to a popular common beverage by the third century CE. The earliest recorded accounts of tea cultivation, processing, and consumption date back to 350 CE containing important information regarding how tea is prepared and consumed. Around the year 800 CE, tea seeds were brought to Japan. By the 13th century, formal tea cultivation had been ingrained in Japanese culture.

Tea was first cultivated in 1824 in the boundary regions of Burma and the Indian State of Assam, which is currently best known for its tea plantations. The concept of tea was developed by British colonists in India in 1823, and a year later tea plantations in India started to appear. India first used Chinese seeds before converting to Assam plants.

Tea Plant Taxonomy

The taxonomy of the tea plant Camellia sinensis is generated according to the following tree:

Characteristics of Tea plant

Tea plant, also known as Camellia sinensis, shows the following characteristics:

• It is shrub which can grow maximum upto 30 feet.
• The leaves and buds of the plant are cultivated for its flavour and taste.
• Leaves show an alternate arrangement and are mostly elliptical in shape.
• Tea plant produces small white flowers with a lovely fragrance.
• Tea plants usually grow in regions which have moderate rainfall leading to a lowere temperature.
• The complex mixture of chemical elements found in tea leaves, such as catechins, polyphenols, theanine, and volatile chemicals, contributes to the flavor, aroma, and potential health advantages of tea.