Assam tea
Camellia sinensis var. assamica

Family: Theaceae

What it is like

It can grow to 15 m tall. It is usually pruned to a power height. This is the main variety used for tea. The leaves have smooth edges. The leaves are thin and tapering.

There are about 250-300 Camellia species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in evergreen broad-leaved forests between 500-1,500 m above sea level. It grows in wetlands. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, India, Indochina, Laos, Myanmar, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The leaves are cooked and eaten as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit, leaves - drink, flowers

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Labao, Yila

Synonyms

Camellia theifera Griff.;