Solexa sequencing and high-throughput genome survey were used to discover 173 candidate conserved miRNAs and 335 candidate species-specific miRNAs in tea plants,of which,134 conserved miRNAs and 32 species-specific miRNAs were confirmed by microarray hybridization.48 and 51miRNAs had significantly higher abundance in leaves and roots,respectively.8 species-specific miRNAs might associate with secondary metabolism,most of the miRNAs might involve in developmental processes,biological regulation and stress responses.Our results provide valuable information for characterizations of miRNAs in plants of the genus Camellia and help understand potential miRNA regulators of both leaf and root development and secondary metabolism and other important biological functions in C.sinensis.