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Camellia sinensis is a primary producer that is more commonly known as tea. It's an evergreen shrub that in Latin translates to “Chinese Camillia.” There are many species of tea, however, botanists conclude that Camellia sinensis is the “true tea.” This means that C. sinensis produces the four main teas: Green, White, Black, and Oolong. These four main teas will give rise to many teas. The main teas that C. sinensis does not  produce are the herbal teas.

The common name of tea came to be after a couple of translations. The Chinese pronounce it “Tay” and the Malayans took another form of the word and called the plant “Te.” The Dutch started to call the plant “Thee” but pronounced it like “tay.” Finally, the English spelt “tea” and pronounced it “tay.” In-between 1720 and 1750 A.D. the pronunciation became “tee,” which is the most common English pronunciation; however, there are some regions that still pronounce tea “tay.”

 Tea is a beverage found all over the world and it is the second most consumed drink after water. Tea is popular all over the world not just because of its taste, but it's also very beneficial towards one's health. Now that we know some of the importance of tea, let us familiarize ourselves with C. sinensis' "roots" and Classification.