Cinnamon Spice Plant (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)
Cinnamomum zeylanicum,
or Ceylon cinnamon,
is the true cinnamon of
the spice trade. It makes
a wonderful container
plant since the tree is
slow growing. Juvenile
leaves have a rich reddish-
bronze color and
mature leaves have a
spicy aroma when rubbed.
Spires of white flowers
appear in spring and
summer followed by
small purple fruit. When
the plant matures, the
outer bark is scraped off
and long rolls of the inner bark are cut to form cinnamon sticks. Fragrant and
highly aromatic, curled cinnamon bark is used for cooking as well as herbal
medicine. Cinnamon is reported to reduce blood sugar and calm nerves. Grow
in an acidic potting mix in warm temperatures. Plants are approximately 12-14”
tall as shown in the inset photo.