True cinnamon

True cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum J. Presl) is a perennial evergreen tree belonging to the Lauraceae family. Renowned for its aromatic bark, this species is distinct from other types of cinnamon, such as Cassia, primarily due to its delicate chemical composition and superior culinary properties.

Native to Sri Lanka and the Malabar Coast of India, the plant thrives in tropical rainforest conditions. Its cultivation requires a hot, humid climate where annual rainfall is high and temperatures remain consistently warm throughout the year. It is predominantly grown in coastal regions at lower altitudes.

Botanically, the tree features glossy, ovate-oblong leaves that turn from a reddish-pink color in young shoots to a deep green upon maturity. The small, white or greenish flowers grow in panicles. In commercial settings, the trees are typically pruned into a bushy form to encourage the growth of multiple lateral shoots, which are harvested for bark.

Cultivation requires well-drained, sandy loam soils rich in organic matter. Waterlogging is a primary enemy of the crop, so plantation site selection often involves elevated or sloped land. Fertilizer management focuses on nitrogen and potassium to support rapid vegetative growth and oil accumulation in the bark layers.

Pest and disease management is critical for productivity. Typical challenges include leaf spot diseases, brown root rot, and infestations by aphids, leaf miners, and scale insects. Integrated pest management, including regular sanitation and careful monitoring of soil moisture, is essential for maintaining healthy, high-yielding plantations.

• Optimal temperature range: 25°C to 30°C.
• Annual rainfall requirement: 1500–2500 mm.
• Propagation: Seed sowing or air layering.
• Harvesting method: Peeling the inner bark from shoots 2-3 years old.