Tea plant (Camellia sinensis)

Camellia sinensis is an evergreen shrub or small tree whose young shoots and leaves are processed into tea. Essentially the varieties sinensis and assamica are distinguished, differing in leaf size and growth. The plant is cultivated in many countries, mostly in tropical and subtropical regions.

All teas in the strict sense come from this one plant; they differ by plucking, withering, oxidation and drying. Herbal and fruit infusions, by contrast, do not come from it and are botanically "tea-like drinks".