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Tea plantation (38)
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![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 94 W: 39 N: 173]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-s-g.gif) (1174) | Tea is one of the most widely-consumed beverages in the world.
Camellia sinensis is an evergreen plant that grows mainly in tropical and sub-tropical climates. However, it is commercially cultivated from the equator to as far north as Cornwall on the UK mainland.
In addition to a tropical climate, it requires at least 50 inches of rainfall a year, and prefers acidic soils. Many high quality tea plants grow at elevations up to 1500 meters (5,000 ft), as the plants grow more slowly and acquire a better flavor.
Only the top 1-2 inches of the mature plant are picked. These buds and leaves are called flushes, and a plant will grow a new flush every seven to ten days during the growing season.
Tea plants will grow into a tree if left undisturbed, but cultivated plants are pruned to waist height for ease of plucking. |
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