To celebrate International Tea Day, which falls on May 21, a conference was held in Wuzhishan on May 20th to announce the results of Hainan Large-Leaf Camellia genetic diversity research and genome-assisted breeding technology development. It turns out that Hainan Large-Leaf Camellia is a new species of Camellia!

According to the researchers, Hainan Large-Leaf Camellia evolved independently on Hainan Island and has a high degree of genetic diversity. After resequencing the entire Hainan Large-Leaf Camellia genome, the research team compared the results to existing databases. The results show that Hainan Large-Leaf Camellia is genetically different from the traditionally cultivated large-leaf tea variety (C. sinensis var. assamica) as well as the small-leaf tea variety (C. sinensis var. sinensis). This means that Hainan Large-Leaf Camellia is a newly discovered Camellia species.

The research results were published in the journal Agrobiodiversity on May 17, 2024. Called a 'third type of tea', Hainan Large-Leaf Camellia is in urgent need of protection and efficient utilization.

The unique genetic composition and high-quality ecological environment contribute to the qualities that Wuzhishan Tropical Rainforest Large-leaf Tea is known for: 'bright color, rich aroma, mellow flavor, and long-lasting sweetness.' The amount of land under tea cultivation in Wuzhishan has increased from around 6.5 km² in 2022 to over 10.2 km² currently. 

Photos by CCTV