Cinnamomum micranthum Seeds | Small-flowered Cinnamon
LATIN NAME: Cinnamomum micranthum
COMMON NAME: Small-Flowered Cinnamon
Plant Profile
Small-Flowered Cinnamon (Cinnamomum micranthum) is a handsome, upright, evergreen tree in the laurel family, native to warm forests of the southern China, while it is treasured for its fine, aromatic bark and leaves. In laurel family it is glossy, aromatic cinnamon of the southern forests, a species whose sweet, warming bark and leaves have carried the spice trade of the east. In good conditions it grows to around Twenty metres. The blooms are worked steadily by bees for as long as they are open. In combination, these characteristics make a persuasive case for growing it.
Science & Biotechnology
Research touching on Cinnamomum micranthum ranges from the botany of the laurel family to practical horticulture, including seed handling, propagation and the selection of superior forms. Small-flowered cinnamon holds a place in food-science papers of spice trees, where aromatic bark and leaves are studied for their fine, sweet, warming volatile oils. Continuing work by breeders and collectors keeps good seed of this species moving through the trade.
Uses & Benefits
Small-Flowered Cinnamon brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. In warm garden, small-flowered cinnamon is glossy, aromatic tree of sheltered corner. Its small flowers feed insects, its black fruits feed birds, and aromatic, evergreen crown gives garden shade and scent through the year. Aromatic bark and leaves have served fine cooking and flavouring of region, and tree grows well in rich, moist, well-drained ground. It establishes readily and then requires nothing out of the ordinary.
Cinnamon is a spice and a medicine chest: its bark oil and polyphenols are studied for post-meal blood-sugar support, and cassia bark, Rou Gui, is a major warming herb of Chinese medicine. The leaf oil supplies eugenol for dentistry and flavoring.
Growing from Seed
Small-Flowered Cinnamon is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. Use a loose, well-drained seed compost, sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly, and keep everything evenly moist in bright light. Transplant the sturdiest seedlings to their permanent spots and let them develop without disturbance.
Our Take
It forms a handsome, upright, evergreen tree, which makes spacing and siting straightforward. Small-Flowered Cinnamon has real presence in the garden without demanding much in return. It tolerates the sort of small mistakes every beginner makes.
Related Reading
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