Theaceae

Theaceae, commonly known as the tea family, is a family of flowering plants in the order Ericales. The group includes several genera of woody plants, with the greatest diversity in East Asia and a presence in the Americas. The best known and economically important genus is Camellia, which includes the tea plant Camellia sinensis as well as ornamental species.

Members of Theaceae are typically evergreen or semi-evergreen shrubs and trees with simple, glossy leaves. Flowers are often showy, solitary or in small clusters, and usually have five petals and numerous stamens; colors range from white to pink or red. The fruit is commonly a capsule that splits to release seeds.

Principal genera include Camellia, Gordonia, Stewartia, Adinandra, and Franklinia. Camellia sinensis is cultivated for tea, while ornamental camellias such as Camellia japonica and Camellia sasanqua are widely grown in gardens. Stewartia and Gordonia species are valued as landscape trees in suitable climates, and Adinandra contains numerous Asian understory species. Franklinia alatamaha, a monotypic genus native to the southeastern United States, is extinct in the wild but persists in cultivation.

Taxonomically, Theaceae is placed within the order Ericales. Its circumscription varies among classifications, with subfamilies such as Camellioideae recognized in some treatments. The family is notable for its horticultural varieties and for its contribution to the beverage industry through Camellia sinensis.