Key Identification Features
- Leaf margins are usually entire, and occasionally develop slight crenations near the apex; the leaf's lateral veins are indistinct.
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🌿 Identification Guide
How to Identify Theaceae
Theaceae is a plant family in the Plantae kingdom, order Ericales, class Magnoliopsida. The family contains 16 accepted species worldwide. Some species in this family are toxic — exercise caution when handling unknown specimens.
Representative Theaceae Species
Schima wallichii (DC.) Korth.
Schima wallichii (DC.) Korth.
Schima wallichii is an evergreen tea-family tree native to China and tropical As…
Camellia azalea C.F.Wei
Camellia azalea C.F.Wei
Camellia azalea C.F.Wei is a critically endangered Chinese protected camellia na…
Stewartia malacodendron L.
Stewartia malacodendron L.
Stewartia malacodendron (silky camellia) is a slow-growing deciduous flowering s…
Polyspora axillaris (Roxb. ex Ker Gawl.) Sweet
Polyspora axillaris (Roxb. ex Ker Gawl.) Sweet
Polyspora axillaris is an evergreen tree distributed across southern China, Taiw…
Schima superba Gardner & Champ.
Schima superba Gardner & Champ.
Schima superba is a large evergreen tree from southern China valued for fire pre…
⚠️ Poisonous
Franklinia alatamaha W.Bartram ex Marshall
Franklinia alatamaha W.Bartram ex Marshall
Franklinia alatamaha is a rare deciduous tree/shrub with zygotic dormancy, grown…
Gordonia lasianthus L. ex Ellis
Gordonia lasianthus L. ex Ellis
Gordonia lasianthus is a small to medium evergreen tree/shrub native to the sout…
Camellia oleifera Abel.
Camellia oleifera Abel.
Camellia oleifera Abel. is a Chinese shrub/small tree grown for its seeds that p…
Stewartia ovata (Cav.) Weath.
Stewartia ovata (Cav.) Weath.
Stewartia ovata is a deciduous flowering shrub or small tree with two varieties,…
Camellia japonica L.
Camellia japonica L.
Camellia japonica L. is a flowering tree/shrub grown for use in teas and medicin…
Stewartia pseudocamellia Maxim.
Stewartia pseudocamellia Maxim.
Stewartia pseudocamellia is a deciduous ornamental tree valued for year-round ga…
Camellia sasanqua Thunb.
Camellia sasanqua Thunb.
Camellia sasanqua is an evergreen Japanese camellia used for tea, tea seed oil, …
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you identify Theaceae?
Theaceae plants belong to the Ericales order in the Plantae kingdom. Leaf margins are usually entire, and occasionally develop slight crenations near the apex; the leaf's lateral veins are indistinct. For instant identification, use the iNature app — AI-powered and works offline.
What are the key characteristics of Theaceae?
Theaceae is classified in the order Ericales, class Magnoliopsida, phylum Tracheophyta. The family contains 16 accepted species worldwide.
⚠️ Are any Theaceae species poisonous?
Yes, some Theaceae species are toxic or poisonous. Always exercise caution with unknown specimens. View poisonous Theaceae species or browse the full poisonous species guide.
Sources: GBIF, iNaturalist, Wikipedia · Disclaimer
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