Types of tea. There are three basic types of tea: black, green/white and oolong. Contrary to popular assumption, all three teas come from the same plant, the Camellia sinensis. The difference between the teas' flavors and health benefits are based on the way the plant's leaves are cultivated and processed.You may be thinking, Wait a minute, my favorite tea is Earl Grey.I know there are more types of tea than just those three.. Well, not really.he difference between the teas' flavors and health benefits are based on the way the plant's leaves are cultivated and processed. You may be thinking, Wait a minute, my favorite tea is Earl Grey. I know there are more types of tea than just those three.. Well, not really.