Tea comes from the tea bush, Camellia Sinensis. From its leaves, twigs, etc. (From Wikepedia)

I wanted to say, "from the tea tree, tee hee," but when i googled tea tree it gave me lots of info about the Melaleuca tree and tea tree oil.

Don't know about tea flowers yet.

Interesting question.

Here are the tea flower pics

I know there are numerous plants that tea can be made from, but (example being mints), but I don't recognize any og the flowers shown. They are interesting though, and should be at that price.

Sue

I thought the tea flowers that come in the dispensing jars were fake and just for looks. I'll be interested in the answer too.

Jodi-

I discovered lavender Earl Grey tea during our stay in NYC for our son's graduation. I have since ordered and received that tea, and it has petals of flowers in the tea, which is delicious. Jasmine tea has whole jasmine blossoms in the tea.

Here is what I found on the Primula Flowering Tea site:

How do I make Primula Flowering Tea?
Using a glass tea pot alone or with infuser is the best brewing method as it allows you to bring out the best taste of the tea. Thats because there are no tea bags or filters which remove both antioxidants and flavors. Also it is perfect for our high quality tea flowers because it allows for a total visual appreciation of the blooming process.

How many cups of tea can one flower make?
Each Primula Tea Flower can be brewed 3 times. Since our tea pot holds 5 cups of tea, each flower can make 15 cups. That means that the 12 tea flowers that will be shipped with your order can make up to 180 cups of tea.

How do I re-brew my flower?
We recommend using each Primula Tea Flower up to 3 times in a 24 hour period. After you have enjoyed your first pot of tea just pour hot water back over the flower and allow it to brew to your desired strength. Many people say that the 2nd pot of tea actually produces the best flavor.

Does the tea have Caffeine?
Green Tea contains approximately one quarter of the caffeine found in coffee. While many coffee drinkers experience jitters or nervousness these effects are not typically caused by our tea. Because our tea provides a relaxing experience, our drinkers report feeling more alert and focused. If you prefer very low caffeine tea try the vanilla or peach because it is made with white tea. White tea has a very low level of caffeine. We currently do not offer decaf tea flowers.

What does the tea infuser do?
A tea infuser is a device in which loose tea leaves are placed for brewing. It serves the same function as a tea bag only it does not remove any of the healthy antioxidants from your tea.

How do I use the tea infuser do?
Simply place your loose tea or tea bags in the infuser. The infuser is then placed in a cup or pot of hot or boiling water, allowing the tea to brew without tea leaves spilling into the pot or cup.

What kind of tea comes with my order?
Each Primula Flowering Tea Set comes with 6 tea flowers. These flowers are made from green tea which is naturally blended with Jasmine to add a delicate flavor and scent.

How long is the shelf life?
Each Primula Flowering Tea is individually wrapped in a sealed foil bag and will last for over 2 years.

Here is a link that might be useful: Primula Flowering Teas

I just realized that your question referred to "flowers" made from both tea leaves and flowers sewed together and dried in a ball. The pot for such tea is clear glass so you can enjoy watching the "flower" unfold in the water as the tea steeps.

I first discovered such tea in a little chocolate and tea lunch bar locally and shared a pot with a friend. Last Christmas, my older son gave me a little glass teapot and some tea flowers. They are pretty to look at as you drink your tea.

No infuser is used with the tea flowers I have used as the flower opens up to float atop the pot of tea and needs all the space in the pot to open fully.

I bought a tin of jasmine tea flowers from Harney & Sons a few months ago and enjoy that tea very much.

I was going to reply with the same explanation as SheilaJoyce did.

Yes, all tea came from a specific specie of the Camelia family as Rosebudsms explained. Black, Oolong, green and white are the different process of the tea leaves.

Many asian countries, (Chinese, Vietnamese, Japanese, etc.), infuse tea in certain fragrant flowers. The most popular are the Jasmine, Osmanthus (sweet olive bush) and Lotus.

The tea flowers are individual green tea leaves that have commonly been infused in Jasmine flowers. Then they're sewen together around a dried non-fragrant colorful flower at the center. When you buy it, they look like a large bud. Once hot water is added, the bud will oven up to reveal the flower. The flower will float awhile but as with any tea leaves, it will sink as it absorbs the water. Just like in the link that Jodi had posted.

It's a show piece and a glass teapot is usually recommended to use for the show. Since it's a fairly large bud with many tea leaves, it is recommended to use a large teapot.

Go to your local Bed Bath & Beyond, they carry the kit that includes the glass teapot and a few tea flowers.

However, if you like them, buy them on eBay for a much better price.

Natalie

The tea flowers are made and manufactured in China.

Not a big hot tea drinker, but couple cruises have had afternoon tea, and I like this one:

camomile tea - tea-like drink made from camomile leaves and flowers
tisane - infusion of e.g. dried or fresh flowers or leaves
Anthemis nobilis, camomile, Chamaemelum nobilis, chamomile - Eurasian plant with apple-scented foliage and white-rayed flowers and feathery leaves used medicinally; in some classification systems placed in genus Anthemis

I use to drink Camomile tea which is made from flowers. It is a very soothing tea. Also Rose Hip tea is good because it has lots of vitamin C. You should drink it with honey when you have a cold. DH likes Chrysanthemum tea and Jasmine tea that we get at SF Chinatown.
Clare

I have discovered flower tea about half a year ago and was blown away. If you are new to flower tea, I would recommend ordering from www.houseofblossoms.co.uk . They offer special gift packages which contain 10 or 20 different types of flower teas, which are perfect for beginners who aren't sure which flower tea to choose from. Although it is a british website, they do deliver worldwide for attractive prices.

Here is a link that might be useful: flower tea gallery

I, too, was amazed at how cool tea flowers are. I received some as a gift from my good friend. It was made by Ego Tea company. It looked so cool and the taste was great, too. I have actually purchased some myself later that year and gave it to some of the family members for Christmas. You know your gifts are popular when all you hear is 'WOW! Cool!' flower tea are really great!

Here is a link that might be useful: Here's the brand I got, but there are many out there.

My son sent me some jasmine tea flowers a few years ago. It really makes nice tea, and it's fun watching it open.