Kissi, Let-pet tea of Burma
Camellia kissi

Family: Theaceae

What it is like

A shrub 2m to 12 m high. The leaves have short stalks. The leaves are 3-10 cm long by 1.5-4.5 cm wide. The leaves are oval and have teeth along the edge. The flowers are single and in the axils of leaves. They are white and fragrant. The fruit is a capsule. It is round and reddish.

There are about 250-300 Camellia species.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in evergreen forest between 1,000 and 2,100 m altitude. In Nepal it grows between 900-2100 m altitude. It grows on moist ground in hill forest. In Melbourne Botanical Gardens. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

Tea is made from the leaves. They are steamed, dried and used as a substitute for tea.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds - oil, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Ban chiya, Diend-tyrnem-bhai, Hinguwa, Sa reng reng, Tra nhuy-ngan, Yua Cha Shue

Synonyms

Camellia drupifera Dyer, non Lour.; Camellia keina Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don;