73. Theaceae

How is it possible to argue with tea, Camellia sinensis, one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world? That is what the Theaceae family has brought us, along with a nice assortment of ornamental trees. The Camellia genus of course goes both ways, serving as the source of the beverage and as ornamentals -- the latter consisting of cultivars of the japonica, oleifera and sasanqua species. All are natives of Asia, but are so long established established in America that they are not regarded as foreign; for example, Camellia japonica is the state flower of Alabama.

The Theaceae family currently has about eight genera, although in earlier times there were thought to be as many as forty. Probably the best known after Camellia are Stewartia and Franklinia, valued as ornamentals. Old Westbury Gardens has Stewartia and I will always remember my Mom pointing them out to me.

Whether it's the Camellia House in New Haven or the Camellia Grill in New Orleans, the Theaceae or tea family has always been there in my life in a some way, shape or form. Above, a "brick" of tea from a tea house in San Francisco.