The base green tea for all forms of Pu-erh is known as saiqing mao cha (sun-dried course tea). This is a special offering for Puer lovers. Both types of Pu-erh, Shu Pu-erh (ripe by pile-fermentation) and Sheng Puer (raw, steamed and preserved without pile fermentation) are produced from saiqing mao cha. Saiqing mao cha is technically a type of green tea but is rarely experienced outside the circles of Pu-erh connoisseurs. Saiqing mao cha is strong with bitterness, astringency and complex aromatic notes. The broad leaf, arbor tea tree varietals of Yunnan and Southeastern Asia are the only varietals suitable for making saiqing mao cha used in Pu-erh and each growing region and remote forest offers a different flavor, aroma and general character.