| Cinnamon | |
| Cinnamomum zeylanicum | |
| a.k.a. Ceylon Cinnamon |
see more pictures of the cinnamon tree
Beautiful ornamental tree with golden red bark that is dried and is the cinnamon spice. New foliage is deep red, and small white flowers are followed by dark-purple fruit.
Description: Small or medium sized tree usually to 20-40ft. The foliage, both mature and immature is quite pretty and the tree is commonly planted for ornamental purposes.
new foliage with its ornamental red color that changes to green when the leaves mature
Hardiness: The true cinnamon tree is subtropical or tropical. It will survive short frosts and temperatures to 32F, but should be protected from hard freezes and prolonged cool weather.
full size cinnamon tree (middle and right), about 30-35ft tall
Growing Environment: Trees grow in full sun and part shade and enjoy regular watering throughout the year.
flower blossoms
Propagation: By seeds.
Uses: The bark is dried and used as a spice. Leaves contain eugenol and are sometimes used as a substitute for cloves. (Eugenol is the major aromatic chemical component of cloves.)
closer photo of trunk with gray-lightly reddish and smooth bark; cuttings from the inner bark make up commercial cinnamon
Native Range: Native to Sri Lanka, southwest India, and Burma.