Kayu Manis Hutan

Common name: Wild Cinnamon

Malay name: Kayu Manis Hutan

Scientific name: Cinnamomum iners

Conservation status: Least concern, Cultivated, Native to Malaysia

Description

A small, evergreen tree of 10-15 m tall. It has a bushy, round tree crown. The bark of tree has a light, cinnamon-like fragrance. Leaves are pinkish when young but turn dark green eventually. Leaf shape is elliptic to oblong. Crushed leaves emit a cinnamon-like fragrance. Flowers are cream white, pungent and clustered. Bear round, fleshy berries that are initially dark green and turn purplish black at maturity.

Habit: Perennial tree

Cultivation: It is planted by seeds or cuttings

Ecological function: The fruits are eaten by squirrels, bats and birds. It is a host plant (food plant of caterpillar) for Common Mime (Chilasa clytia clytia) and Common Bluebottle (Graphium sarpedon luctatius).

Pollinator: Hoverflies, small beetles and other small insects

Soil: Fertile loamy soils

Moisture: Well-drained soils

Shade: No shade

Use: Spice (leaf, wood), timber