Tea-seed oil, Sasanqua tea
Camellia sasanqua
Family: Theaceae
What it is like
A shrub. It grows 3-6 m tall and spreads 3-4.5 m wide. The leaves are small. They are very shiny. The flowers are small and have a sweet scent. The flowers are white but coloured varieties with large flowers have been bred.
There are about 250-300 Camellia species. Camellia sasanqua has hundreds of cultivated varieties.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. It is frost hardy but the flowers can be damaged by frost. They need moisture but benefit from good warm sun. It suits hardiness zones 9-11. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Britain, China, Europe, Hawaii, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Pacific, SE Asia, Tasmania, USA, Vietnam
How it is used for food
The oil needs to be refined before being used in food. The leaves are added to tea to give an aroma.
It is a cultivated food plant.
Edible parts
Seeds, spice, leaves - tea, seeds - oil
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from cuttings, grafting or layering.
Its other names
Local names
Cha hua, Chamei, Kamelia sasangkua, Mei camellia, Perdu teh sasangkua, Sazanka, Shan cha, So, Tra-mai