Shushunov V.A.

The origins and history of the introduction Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze in the subtropical zone of Krasnodar region

Tea is one of the oldest and most widespread drinks around the globe. For a part of the population, tea is a product of prime necessity and is a part of many peoples traditional cultures around the world. Scientists worldwide have been interested in studying not only the biology and ecology of one particular species of higher plants but also other branches of knowledge that have made it possible to introduce a unique beverage to people all over the world and to involve huge labor resources in its production. There is a wide range of events that have been associated with tea, from medicinal remedies to sporting events. The establishment of tea growing on the territory of the Russian Empire and then in the USSR is a natural world trend and it is inseparably connected with the subtropical zone on the Caucasian Black Sea coast. The change of the social system allowed to organize tea industrial production in the Krasnodar region, having developed special lands and introducing new unique agrotechnical methods. At the moment, there is a decline in the industry due to various factors of economic, political, and legal nature. Plants of Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze strive to adapt to new conditions and survive among the Colchian forests, despite the upheavals of the nineties of the XX century. All conditions for survival have been created and laid down to the tea plants by man since time immemorial. The aim of this article is to study the origin of tea, the history of the introduction of tea bushes in Krasnodar region, and to highlight the current status of the tea plant.

Keywords: CAMELLIA SINENSIS, SUBTROPICS OF RUSSIA, HISTORY OF TEA, INTRODUCTION, KRASNODAR TEA