ຊາປ່າ / Wild Tea

Tea is native to Southeast Asia and East Asia but is widely cultivated elsewhere. It grows in evergreen forest and prefers a temperature of 22–28°C. In Lao PDR, tea is found in highland areas at altitudes of 200–2000 m above sea level (ASL), but the best quality is found at an altitude of 800–1500 m. In Phongsaly, Houaphanh, Xiangkhoung, Luangprabang and Oudomxay tea is grown in high montane areas, usually on land that slopes at about 12–30%. In natural or forest areas, tea trees are bigger; cultivated plants are pruned to make harvesting easier.