SafePlants

Padang Cassia (Cinnamomum burmannii)

Cinnamomum burmannii, commonly known as Padang cassia, is a tree species valued for its bark, which is used as a spice similar to cinnamon.

Common Names

• Padang cassia
• Indonesian cinnamon
• Batavia cassia
• Korintje
• Java cinnamon
• Fagot cassia
• Padang cinnamon
• Malaysian cinnamon

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cinnamomum burmannii (Nees & Th. Nees) Nees ex Blume
• Family: Lauraceae
• Synonyms:
  • Cassia vera

Distribution and Habitat

Cinnamomum burmannii is native to Southeast Asia and Indonesia, particularly West Sumatra, in the region of Padang. It has also been naturalized in Hawaii, where it has escaped from cultivation.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Cinnamomum burmannii is a hardwood tree.
• It produces white flowers.
• Flowering time is late spring to early summer.
• New leaves are dark green with bronze-pink coloring.
• The bark is smoother and has double quills compared to some other cassia varieties.

Ecological Role

In Hawaii, Cinnamomum burmannii is considered non-native and has escaped cultivation, indicating its potential to become naturalized or invasive in suitable environments. Further information can be found by searching invasive species lists.

Uses

• The inner bark is curled, dried, and used as a spice.
• Padang cassia bark oil is used as a food additive, specifically as a spice, natural seasoning, and flavoring.

Quirky Facts

• The terms "batavia cassia," "java cassia," "padang cassia," and "korintje cassia" apply equally to the product in whole or ground form, showcasing the interchangeability in trade.

Further Information

• USDA PLANTS Database (Symbol: CIBU2)
• Plants of Hawaii (Images and information by Forest and Kim Starr)
• WebMD (Patient medical information for Padang-Cassia)