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

How to identify Camellia azalea C.F.Wei

Camellia azalea C.F.Wei

Camellia azalea C.F.Wei

Camellia azalea C.F.Wei is a critically endangered Chinese protected camellia na…

How to identify Franklinia alatamaha W.Bartram ex Marshall

Franklinia alatamaha W.Bartram ex Marshall

Franklinia alatamaha W.Bartram ex Marshall

Franklinia alatamaha is a rare deciduous tree/shrub with zygotic dormancy, grown…

How to identify Schima wallichii (DC.) Korth.

Schima wallichii (DC.) Korth.

Schima wallichii (DC.) Korth.

Schima wallichii is an evergreen tea-family tree native to China and tropical As…

How to identify Stewartia malacodendron L.

Stewartia malacodendron L.

Stewartia malacodendron L.

Stewartia malacodendron (silky camellia) is a slow-growing deciduous flowering s…

How to identify Camellia sasanqua Thunb.

Camellia sasanqua Thunb.

Camellia sasanqua Thunb.

Camellia sasanqua is an evergreen Japanese camellia used for tea, tea seed oil, …

How to identify Gordonia lasianthus L. ex Ellis

Gordonia lasianthus L. ex Ellis

Gordonia lasianthus L. ex Ellis

Gordonia lasianthus is a small to medium evergreen tree/shrub native to the sout…

How to identify Schima superba Gardner & Champ.

Schima superba Gardner & Champ.

Schima superba Gardner & Champ.

Schima superba is a large evergreen tree from southern China valued for fire pre…

⚠️ Poisonous
How to identify Stewartia ovata (Cav.) Weath.

Stewartia ovata (Cav.) Weath.

Stewartia ovata (Cav.) Weath.

Stewartia ovata is a deciduous flowering shrub or small tree with two varieties,…

How to identify Camellia crapnelliana Tutcher

Camellia crapnelliana Tutcher

Camellia crapnelliana Tutcher

Camellia crapnelliana is a small tree native to southern China, whose seeds prod…

How to identify Camellia oleifera Abel.

Camellia oleifera Abel.

Camellia oleifera Abel.

Camellia oleifera Abel. is a Chinese shrub/small tree grown for its seeds that p…

How to identify Camellia japonica L.

Camellia japonica L.

Camellia japonica L.

Camellia japonica L. is a flowering tree/shrub grown for use in teas and medicin…

How to identify Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze

Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze

Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze

Camellia sinensis, the tea plant, is the woody cultivated species grown commerci…

Browse all 16 Theaceae species →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you identify Theaceae?

Theaceae plants belong to the Ericales order in the Plantae kingdom. Browse the 16 species gallery above for visual identification references. 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

Start Exploring Nature Today

Download iNature for free. 10 identifications on us. No account needed. No credit card required.

Download Free on App Store