Most Viewed
Buddlea
Polygala Dalmaisiana
Sage
Leek
Dracaena Indivisa
Chrysophyllum Cainito
Guernsey Lily (nerine Sarniense)
Anise
Libertia Formosa
Libonia Floribunda
Least Viewed
Chervil
Rampion
Sage
Night-scented Stocks
Citrus Japonica
Eucalyptus Globulus
Eugenia Ugni
Lapageria Rosea
Phormium Tenax
Fennel
|
Thea Viridis
This is the China tea plant, whose native country
is undetermined. All kinds and grades of the teas of commerce are
made from this species, although probably it has some varieties.
Black and green teas are the result of different modes of
preparation; very much of the green, however, is artificially
colored to suit the foreign trade. The finest teas do not reach
this country; they will not bear a sea voyage, and are used only
by the wealthy classes in China and Russia. The active principles
of the leaves are theine and a volatile oil, to which latter the
flavor and odor are due. So far as climate is concerned for the
existence of the tea plant in the United States, it will stand in
the open air without injury from Virginia southwards. A zero frost
will not kill it. But with regard to its production as a
profitable crop, the rainfall in no portion of the States is
sufficient to warrant any attempt to cultivate the plant for
commercial purposes. But this does not prevent its culture as a
domestic article, and many hundreds of families thus prepare all
the tea they require, from plants it may be from the pleasure
ground or lawn, where the plant forms one of the best ornaments.
Next: Theobroma Cacao
Previous: Tetranthera Laurifolia
Viewed 135
|
Informational
