Camellia Thea Collection

Tea estate, Sri Lanka
Australian coral tree in a tea estate in Agrapatana, Sri Lanka. Photographed by Harry Taylor

Tea plant, Camellia sinensis (Camellia thea). Chromolithograph after a botanical illustration from Hermann Adolph
FLO4995203 Tea plant, Camellia sinensis (Camellia thea). Chromolithograph after a botanical illustration from Hermann Adolph Koehler's Medicinal Plants, edited by Gustav Pabst, Koehler, Germany

Tea plant, Camellia sinensis (Camellia thea). Handcoloured lithograph by Hanhart after a botanical illustration by
FLO4986806 Tea plant, Camellia sinensis (Camellia thea). Handcoloured lithograph by Hanhart after a botanical illustration by David Blair from Robert Bentley and Henry Trimen's Medicinal Plants

Camellia thea, tea
llustration from the Botany Library Plate Collection held at the Natural History Museum, London

Leptospermum fabricia, tea-tree
Finished watercolour by Fred Polydore Nodder from an original outine drawing by Sydney Parkinson made during Captain James Cooks first voyage across the Pacific, 1768-1771

Melaleuca viridiflora, weeping tea tree
Finished watercolour by Fred Polydore Nodder from an original outine drawing by Sydney Parkinson made during Captain James Cooks first voyage across the Pacific, 1768-1771

Thea chinensis, tea
Illustration from the Botany Library Plate Collection held at the Natural History Museum, London

Leptospermum scoparium, tea tree
Finished watercolour by Fred Polydore Nodder from an original outline drawing by Sydney Parkinson made during Captain James Cooks first voyage across the Pacific, 1768-1771

Tea fields, Sri Lanka

John Lettsoms Natural History of the Tea Tree
Coloured front piece of John Lettsoms Natural History of the Tea Tree. Held in the Botany Library at the Natural History Museum, London

Kinkaku-ji, Golden Temple, Kyoto City, Japan
A photograph taken during the voyage of H.M.S. Challenger (1872-1876) funded by the British Government for scientific purposes

Lagopus lagopus, willow grouse
Plate 191 from John James Audubons Birds of America, original double elephant folio (1831-34), hand-coloured aquatint. Engraved, printed and coloured by R. Havell (& Son), London

Thea viridis, tea
Plate 17 by Margaret Bushby Lascelles Cockburn (1829-1928). Held at the Natural History Museum, London

Leptospermum scoparium, New Zealand tea tree
Painting by George Forster

Leptospermum squarrosum, pink tea tree
Finished watercolour by Fred Polydore Nodder from an original outine drawing by Sydney Parkinson made during Captain James Cooks first voyage across the Pacific, 1768-1771

Dendrobium canaliculatum, teatree orchid
Finished watercolour by Fred Polydore Nodder from an original outine drawing by Sydney Parkinson made during Captain James Cooks first voyage across the Pacific, 1768-1771

Ilex paraguensis, yerba mate
Painting by Pierre Joseph Redoute (1759-1840), from his publication Choix des plus belles fleurs (The Most Beautiful Flowers), c. 1827-33

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Camellia thea, also known as tea, is a plant that has been cultivated for centuries and holds significant cultural and historical value. Originating from Sri Lanka's lush tea estates, a species of evergreen shrub belonging to the Theaceae family. Tea production in Sri Lanka dates back to colonial times when British settlers introduced Camellia thea to these fertile lands. Today, these picturesque tea fields are renowned worldwide for their high-quality teas. The leaves are carefully hand-picked by skilled workers who ensure only the finest leaves make it into your cup. Interestingly, Camellia thea shares its scientific name with another variety called Thea chinensis. This Chinese variant is equally revered for its aromatic flavors and health benefits. Both varieties have played an integral role in traditional medicine practices due to their rich antioxidant properties. In addition to its culinary uses, it has found applications beyond just brewing a hot cuppa. Leptospermum fabricia or tea-tree oil derived from Melaleuca viridiflora (also known as weeping tea tree) have long been used in skincare products due to their antibacterial qualities. The significance of this remarkable plant extends far beyond Sri Lanka's borders too. In Japan's enchanting city of Kyoto stands Kinkaku-ji or Golden Temple - a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by stunning gardens adorned with various flora including Camellia thea plants. These elegant shrubs add beauty and tranquility to this iconic landmark. As we sip our favorite brews made from Camellia thea leaves, let us appreciate not only its delightful taste but also its deep-rooted history and cultural connections spanning across continents. From John Lettsom's Natural History of Tea Tree documenting its botanical wonders to ancient rituals at Kinkaku-ji in Japan.