Morphological Classification of Tea Clones (Camellia sinensis, Theaceae) at the Mount Lawu Forest, East Java, Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to find out the morphological classification of tea clones and its utilization, which is established closed to mount Lawu forest, East Java. One tea plantation managed by PT Candi Loka (Jamus tea plantation) was selected. It has an area of 478.20 hectares and improve the quality and productivity of tea by planting tea clones. Identification and determination based on morphological characteristics of tea clones and interviews were carried out in 2016-2018. Seven tea clones were recorded according to leaf thickness and length, lifespan and fine hairs on the tea buds. Those are Asamica, Yabokita, Chin, GMB 3, GMB 7, TRI 2024, and TRI 2025. Asamica is the oldest clone since 1866. The most commonly planted is GMB 7 because of high productivity and good shoot quality. Chin clone is not bred anymore. Even though the quality is pretty well, its productivity is less because leaf shape is narrow. TRI 2025 clones have the highest productivity due to its long and thick leaves. The tea is then processed into products such as white tea, green tea, black tea/fragrant tea, and coffee flavoured tea. White tea and green tea are increasingly popular as traditional medicines.