What is gushu (old tree) tea?
I see 'gushu' on Yunnan pu-erh labels with much higher prices — what does it actually mean?
Gushu (古树, 'old tree') refers to tea picked from trees over 100 years old — and the truly prized ones are 300–800+ years. These trees have deep roots, complex root microbiology, and lower yields, producing leaves with profound depth, lasting aftertaste (huigan), and a thick body called 'cha qi' that descends through the body. Gushu mu shu (古树母树, mother tree) is the rarest tier. The term is loosely regulated in China — buy from sources who can verify provenance.
— Yurii — 931 Tea, 931 Tea