Hortus Botanicus Leiden, Netherlands

Common name: Kaneelboom, Ceylonkaneel, Cinnamon tree

Family: Lauraceae (Laurel family)

Distribution: India and Sri Lanka

Hardiness: Zone 09

Life form: Tree

Comments: The cinnamon tree is native to Sri Lanka and South India. The old name of the species, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, refers to Ceylon, the old name for Sri Lanka. It can become a tall tree, but is cultivated for its timber because of its papery bark. This is what cinnamon sticks are made of, which are used in cooking to make various, mainly sweet, dishes. Cinnamon of lesser quality is derived from a related species, Cinnamomum aromaticum. The leaves are elongated and leathery, with three striking veins. The flowers are small and yellow-white, the fruit is a berry.