Surface morphology of tea (Camellia sinensis L.) leaves

Surface morphology of two leaves and a bud, maintenance leaves of Camellia sinensis L. and processed tea were studied with light and scanning electron microscopy. Both adaxial and abaxial surfaces of the adult and juvenile foliage were examined. The adaxial surface is characterized by undulation and irregular deposition of wax. The abaxial surface is marked by the presence of hairs and two types of stomata. Tea leaves possessing good flavour showed the presence of intact hairs both in the processed tea and in their decoction, whereas such hairs were absent in liquor producing quality of processed tea leaves and in their decoction. Possible role of micromorphological features in selecting good plant types has been discussed.