Does all tea come from the same tree?

No, not all tea comes from the same tree. While all tea comes from the same plant, *Camellia sinensis*, the different types of tea are created through different processing methods applied to the leaves.

Here's how it works:

* The plant: The *Camellia sinensis* plant has two main varieties: *Camellia sinensis var. sinensis* (producing the "China" type tea) and *Camellia sinensis var. assamica* (producing the "Assam" type tea). These varieties have different growing conditions and leaf characteristics.

* The processing: After the tea leaves are harvested, they are treated in various ways to produce different types of tea. These methods include:

* Oxidation: The oxidation process, where leaves are exposed to air, is the key factor in determining the final flavor and color of the tea.

* Withering: Drying the leaves to remove moisture.

* Rolling: This process breaks down the leaves to release their flavor and aromas.

* Firing: Heating the leaves to stop the oxidation process.

Different tea types:

* Black tea: Fully oxidized leaves, giving a strong, robust flavor.

* Green tea: Minimal oxidation, resulting in a grassy, vegetal flavor.

* White tea: Very little oxidation, producing a delicate, sweet flavor.

* Oolong tea: Partially oxidized, with a wide range of flavor profiles.

* Pu-erh tea: Fermented and aged black tea, with an earthy, musky flavor.

So, while all tea comes from the same plant, the different processing methods are what create the wide variety of flavors and types of tea we enjoy today.