The tea leaf grows on the camellia sinensis plant, which is also known as thea sinensis. The bush grows naturally to approximately six feet and is indigenous to China and India. Only the tips and the top two layers of young leaves, where the sap and nutrients are concentrated, are plucked. Not only does this help to provide a good quality cup of tea, it also stimulates the growth of the bush, thus increasing the maximum yield.
Tea bushes are grown best between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn and between the altitudes of 1000 and 7000 feet. They enjoy warm, tropical climates with good rainfall. The warmer climates, such as those of Africa and Sri Lanka, allow all year round production, with especially high yields during the monsoon periods. Colder climates, such as those found in the Himalayan foothills, only produce yields in seasonal "flushes". Differences in soil acidity, altitude and climate produce the distinctive flavours of the various teas.
