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Cinnamomum verum

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Cinnamomum verum

Family Name: Lauraceae
Synonyms: Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Common Name: Cinnamon, Kayu Manis, Cinnamon Bark Tree

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Status (botanical)
Synonyms
Common Names
Comments

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Growth Form Tree
Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic

Biogeography

Native Distribution Sri Lanka, India
Native Habitat Terrestrial
Preferred Climate Zone Tropical
Local Conservation Status Non-native

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form Evergreen tree, able to grow up to about 8 - 17 m tall in its natural habitat. 
Stems Dark green adult leaves, ovate to elliptic, opposite arrangement, texture rather stiff, distinct 3 yellow veins from the base to the tip, leaf measuring about 5 - 18 cm long and 3 - 10 cm wide, young leaves tend to be reddish.
Flowers Cream to white flowers borne on axillary and terminal panicle inflorescence, each flower about 3 mm wide, unpleasant smell.
Fruits Fruit is a ovoid fleshy purple drupe about 1.5 - 2 cm long, contains 1 seed.
Etymology Genus Cinnamomum is from the Greek word "Kinnamomon" which means spice. Species verum means true or genuine. 
Ethnobotanical Uses Food (Herb and Spice : The bark of this tree is used as a spice seasoning for meat, sauces, baked goods and drinks. Oil extracted from the leaves is also used as a flavouring agent in snacks.)
Medicinal ( Oil is extracted from the bark and used in pharmaceutical and dental preparations.)
Timber & Products ( Wood has very good working qualities.)

Landscaping Features

Plant & Rootzone Preference - Tolerance Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils
Landscape Uses Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens

Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal

Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna Bird Attracting, Butterfly Food Plant
Pollination Method(s) Biotic (Fauna)
Seed or Spore Dispersal Biotic (Fauna)

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Full Sun
Water Preference Moderate Water
Plant Growth Rate Moderate
Propagation Method Seed

Foliar

Foliage Retention Evergreen
Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem Opposite
Foliar Attachment to Stem Petiolate

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower Colour(s) White, Cream / Off-White
Flower Grouping Cluster / Inflorescence
Flower Location Axillary, Terminal

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Mature Fruit Colour(s) - Angiosperms and Gymnosperms Purple
Fruit Type 1 Fleshy Fruit
Seed Quantity Per Fruit Few (1-5)

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID 1514
Species ID 2807
Flora Disclaimer The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.
Species record last updated on: 15 February 2022.
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