Yu Qilin (玉麒麟)
Although we can have fun with this name and translate it as "Jade Unicorn", the name is really jade qilin. A qilin is a mythical animal with features of animals including dragons and horses.
Growing Characteristics: Grows in a taller upright tree with denser branches. The leaves are oval, 6.7 to 9.8 cm long and 3.0 to 4.2 cm wide. The leaves are green, shiny, flat or folded inward. The leaf margin is straight, the tip is blunt and shallow. The plants have strong cold and drought resistance. [1]
Tea Character: Dry tea has a firm and heavy shape, with a dark brown color. The aroma is rich and long, with a mellow and sweet taste. Soup is bright orange. Spring tea from one bud and two leaves contains tea polyphenols 31.0%, amino acids 2.6%, caffeine 4.4%, flavonoids 0.81%, and water 44.7% [1]
References
- Scans and figures from "Illustration of Chinese Oolong Tea" pages 384 and 385.