Family: Lauraceae
Common name: Wild cinnamon, Country cinnamon, Malabathrum, Edana, Edanayila, Vazhana, Vayana, Illavangam, Karappa, Karuppa, Kattukaruvappattai
Wild cinnamon is a small, beautiful tree that has medicinal and commercial uses in Southeast Asian countries, especially Kerala. They are native to the Western Ghats region, a very tall mountain range that extends from Tamilnadu through Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra.
Tree Characteristics
Wild cinnamon trees have a smooth, cylindrical stem that is brownish-gray in color, covered with lichens, formed through a symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae.
Lichens do not usually grow in polluted air. So lichens on the bark of trees indicate good air and favorable growing conditions for the trees, and they do not harm the tree in any way.
These trees can grow 15-20 meters tall with a trunk diameter of 20-30 cm. The outer bark is thin and peels away easily, revealing the aromatic inner bark, which has a distinct cinnamon flavor, though it is not as strong as that of True Cinnamon or Cinnamomum verum.
Leaves are evergreen, lance-shaped, and a beautiful, bright green. They are 10-15 cm long and 4-6 cm wide, with a pointed tip. These leaves have a smooth, leathery finish and veins running parallel to the midvein, called parallel venation.
Young leaves are light red to light green in color, and makes the tree look very pretty with tender reddish-green leaves. Wild cinnamon leaves are highly aromatic when crushed, releasing a strong cinnamon fragrance, due to the oil glands contained in them.
Wild cinnamon trees bloom with clusters of small, pale white or green flowers that have 6 distinct petals and prominent yellow stamens. Though the flowers are small, only 1-2 cm in diameter, they bloom in large clusters spreading fragrance and attracting many pollinators.
Flowering happens during the rainy season from June to September, lasting several weeks. Wild cinnamon trees produce small, rounded fruits that are initially green, ripening to a dark purple color. Fruits contain a single seed that can be used for propagation.
Gardening Tips
Wild cinnamon trees prefer good sunlight and thrive in tropical and subtropical weather with high humidity and rainfall. They need well-drained, slightly acidic soil that is rich in organic matter.
Watering is needed more regularly when the trees are small, and during peak summer months. During the rainy season, watering should be stopped completely, and ensure that there is no water-logging. Pruning should be done to ensure that the tree grows well-rounded and bushy.
These are excellent ornamental trees for home gardens and parks because of their short growing habit and beautiful evergreen leaves. Fertilize once in 2-3 months with animal manure, compost, and mineral additives like NPK and Urea.
Uses of Wild Cinnamon
Wild Cinnamon has uses in traditional herbal medicine and Ayurveda in the treatment of inflammation, wounds, fever, cough, bronchitis, stomach disorders, respiratory ailments, headaches, worms, urinary diseases, cardiac disorders, and tumors. Bark, leaves, and buds are the parts with the most medicinal value.
Essential oils obtained from the leaves have antifungal and antibacterial properties. They are also used in skin treatments because of their aromatic properties. Tea made from the bark or leaves can help alleviate indigestion and bloating.
Though the bark of Wild cinnamon is used as a spice in cooking in Kerala, Sri Lanka, and other South Asian regions, it is considered inferior to True cinnamon.
Propagation
Propagation is through seeds and stem cuttings.
Though seed propagation is very viable, it is considerably slower.
Propagation through stem cuttings from healthy trees is much faster since the trees take root and grow faster.
Photographed at: Kings Flora Organic Farm Resort, Wayanad.
