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How do the China and Assam varieties of Camellia sinensis differ?

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Neatly planted rows of green tea bushes stretch across rolling fields with Mount Fuji, capped with snow, rising in the background in Japan. — tea Rows of tea (*Camellia sinensis*) growing in Japan, with Mount Fuji in the background.

The two principal varieties of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis, differ significantly in their physical characteristics and cultivation requirements.12

China variety (C. sinensis var. sinensis): This is a small-leaved, multistemmed bush that can grow up to 2.75 meters (9 feet) tall. It is a hardy plant capable of withstanding cold winters and has an economic life of at least 100 years. It is commonly used to produce green tea.123
Assam variety (C. sinensis var. assamica): This is a large-leaved, single-stem tree that grows much taller, ranging from 6 to 18 meters (20 to 60 feet). It has a shorter economic life of approximately 40 years with regular pruning. This variety is preferred for the production of black tea, which is known for its bright red color and astringent, non-bitter flavor.123

Hybrids of these two varieties are also widely cultivated to balance specific traits.12