[2][3] It is native to Southeast China, Korea, Japan and its offshore islands, Taiwan, and the Philippines.

The leaves may be reused, as long as they still turn the water dark brown when boiled.

[1][5][6] The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has developed a powdered version of tubho tea which is made available in Sabtang town.

The DOST plans to develop a method that would enable wider commercial production of tubho tea.

[7] Local Ivatan people claim that the tea is the secret to their longevity and has medicinal benefits.