Cinnamomum Verum, also known as the real cinnamon tree or Ceylon cinnamon tree, is a tiny, evergreen tree that is indigenous to Sri Lanka and is a member of the Lauraceae family. Cinnamon is also made from the inner bark of a number of different species of Cinnamomum.
There are several varieties of cinnamon. Common cinnamon varieties include Cinnamomum Verum (Ceylon cinnamon) and Cinnamomum Aromaticum (Cassia cinnamon or Chinese cinnamon). This article focuses on the uses of Cinnamomum Verum and how to grow and care for it.
Source: Pinterest
See also: Cassia Javanica
Cinnamon plant: Key facts
Botanical name | Cinnamomum Verum |
Type | A medium sized tree |
Flower | No |
Varieties available | Over 8 |
Also known as | Real cinnamon tree, Ceylon cinnamon tree |
Height | Up to 20-30 metres |
Season | Summer |
Sun exposure: | Keep in shade with a few hours of direct sunlight |
Ideal temperature | 70 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit |
Soil type | Well-drained |
Soil pH | Slightly acidic to slightly alkaline |
Basic requirements | Intermittent watering, indirect sunlight, home-made fertiliser |
Ideal location for placement | Outdoors |
Ideal season to grow | Summer |
Maintenance | High |
See also: Mesua ferrea
Cinnamon plant: How to grow?
To grow Cinnamon plants from seeds, take its fruits and clean off the berry pulp. Once only the seeds remain, dry them thoroughly. Plant fresh seeds an inch deep. Choose a location that receives plenty of sunlight. Add compost, fill the planting hole with fertile soil and keep the soil moist until the seeds germinate, which should happen in around three weeks.
Cinnamon plant: Propagation
In addition to growing Cinnamon Verum from seeds, these plants can also be propagated with stem cuttings. To propagate using stem cuttings, take a cutting nearly six inches in length and strip its lower half of all leaves. Plant this cutting in a moist potting mix. Keep it warm and in a sunny location. It can take a while to form roots, after which you can transplant it in the garden.
Cinnamon plant: Care tips
Following are some care tips for keeping your Cinnamon plant thriving and healthy.
Cinnamon plant: Sunlight requirements
Cinnamomum Verum thrives in full sun. So, plant it in a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight every day. However, they also benefit from a little afternoon shade during hot and dry weather conditions.
Cinnamon plant: Soil requirement
Plant Cinnamon plants in a rich, well-draining soil. The best choice is a sandy loam. These plants don’t like waterlogged soils. So, hardpan or heavy clay soils are not advisable. In case the garden soil is unsuitable, you can grow a Cinnamon plant in a container using a good potting mix.
Cinnamon plant: Water requirements
Cinnamon plants prefer regular watering if there is no rainfall. Make sure to not let the soil dry out. Keep watering as soon as the top two inches of soil feel dry. You can use mulch to maintain moisture and keep the roots cool.
Cinnamon plant: Temperature and humidity requirements
These plants thrive in humid and warm climates. Temperatures over 80 degrees Fahrenheit work best for healthy growth. They don’t do very well in very dry conditions or when temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Cinnamon plant: Fertiliser requirements
During the planting stage, feed your plant with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser. Once it has established itself, fertilise it every spring.
Cinnamon plant: How to grow it in pots?
In colder climates, Cinnamon plants are often grown in pots and kept indoors when the temperatures are low. These plants usually don’t grow up to their full size in containers but they can still produce their fragrant cinnamon bark in a few years. To grow Cinnamon plants in pots:
- Get a large container that’s at least 20 inches deep and 18 inches wide. Make sure this container has plenty of drainage holes.
- Plant the seeds in a loose, well-draining potting mix.
- Water it as soon as the top inch of the soil dries.
- Place the container outdoors during summers to give the plant plenty of sunlight.
- When kept indoors, place it near a south-facing window.
- When the humidity levels are low, mist your plant.
- Feed it with a liquid fertiliser during the growing season, which is from spring to fall.
Cinnamon plant: Uses
- Its wood is used to create plywood, cabinets, furniture, and other items. Javanicum yields sturdy wood that is used in buildings and homes.
- It is employed in the creation of liquors, chocolate, drinks, and spicy candies, among other things.
- One of the most popular spices, true cinnamon, is produced from the bark of the Cinnamomum Verum tree.
- Hot drinks can be strengthened by adding politum bark, which also helps to ease headaches.
- Crushed leaves and bark paste are used to cure food poisoning and stomach pain.
Cinnamon Verum: Side effects
Cinnamon bark is safe for the majority of individuals when taken by mouth in proportions used for medicine, while it is likely safe when consumed in food levels. Cinnamon oil can be irritating to the skin and mucous membranes, including the stomach, intestine, and urinary tract, making it inappropriate to take by mouth. It may have unwanted side effects, including nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, dizziness, and others.
FAQs
How does cinnamon benefit us?
It is believed that the oils in cinnamon bark might ease spasms, lessen gas (flatulence), and increase hunger. Cinnamon may also improve blood circulation.
Does cinnamon benefit people with diabetes?
A compound found in cinnamon bark may have insulin-like effects in lowering blood sugar levels. These impacts, meanwhile, are regarded to be somewhat negligible.