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Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Scientific Name: Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Family: Lauraceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum or Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
Ceylon cinnamon, scientifically known as Cinnamomum verum or Cinnamomum zeylanicum, is often referred to as "true cinnamon." It is a spice derived from the inner bark of a small evergreen tree.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Cinnamomum verum J. Presl (formerly C. zeylanicum) and Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume
- Common Names: True Cinnamon, Ceylon Cinnamon, Sri Lanka Cinnamon
- Family: Lauraceae (Laurel family)
- Synonyms: Laurus cinnamomum
- Taxonomic Serial Number: 501529
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon) and the southeastern coast of India.
- Has been introduced pan-tropically.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- A small to medium-sized evergreen tree.
- Typically grows to a height of 10-20 feet, though it can also be a large shrub of 5-10 feet.
- Characterized by golden red bark.
- New foliage is deep.
- Can be grown as a container plant.
Traditional Uses and Properties
- Historically used in ancient Egypt for embalming.
- The dried bark is the source of the cinnamon spice.
- Ceylon cinnamon is considered the "true cinnamon" of the spice trade.
- Essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves.
- Has been used in folk medicine.
Considerations for Pets
- Cinnamon leaf oil and bark oil are extracted from the tree.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Studies have investigated the effect of Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oil on the growth of Aspergillus species.
Further Information
- ISO 6539:2014 specifies requirements for whole or ground cinnamon of Sri Lankan, Madagascan, and Seychelles types.
- Referenced by Taxonomic Serial Number (TSN) 501529.