Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze var. bohea
Half-hardy, slow-growing shrub with ovate, pointed leaves and small, nodding white flowers in spring. The variety bohea has darker green leaves and usually solitary flowers. [RHSD, Hilliers’].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘According to our friend and coadjutor Mr. Ker (late Gawler) Thea and Camellia cannot be kept apart, but must be united into one genus; and our own observations go to confirm this idea, but we are unwilling to change the generic name until all the allied plants shall have been more accurately examined.’ [BM t.998/1807]. ‘The two species of Tea-trees, for such, in our humble opinion they undoubtedly are, have been by some persons, (especially such as have only had an opportunity of seeing dried specimens,) considered the same.’ [LBC nos.226 and 227/1818]. According to Loddiges’ Botanical Cabinet, Thea bohea was introduced to Britain in 1780 and Thea viridis, the ‘Green-tea tree’, in 1768. Hilliers’ gives the earlier date of 1740 for Camellia sinensis, the tea bush of commerce. Curtis’s Botanical Magazine provides a potted history of teas and tea drinking. [BM t.3148/1832].
History at Camden Park
Listed in all published catalogues [T.962/1843]. Probably introduced by Macarthur to determine its possibilities as a commercial crop in the colony.
Notes
Published Jul 05, 2009 - 03:47 PM | Last updated Jul 31, 2010 - 04:57 PM
Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze var. bohea | BM t.998/1807 | BHL
| Family | Theaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | India to China |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | Chinese tea plant, Tea plant |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Thea bohea |
| Confidence level | high |