Indian Bay Leaf

Family

Lauraceae

Origin

India

Description

Cinnamomum tamala is a moderate sized evergreen tree attaining a height of 8 m, and a girth of 150 cm.

Its leaves have a clove-like aroma with a hint of peppery taste; they are used for culinary and medicinal purposes. The leaves are Usually 4-5 inches long, very variable in breadth, rarely alternate, shining above, rarely elliptical and obtuse. Flowers are Tiny, greenish yellow, insignificant.

Environment

Cinnamon is suitable for a wide variety of climatic conditions. It thrives well at an altitude of about 1,000 m and a yearly rainfall of 200–250 cm is suitable for cinnamon cultivation. Cinnamon requires a hot and humid climate and an average temperature of 27°C are ideal for its cultivation

Cinnamon can be grown well in average, slightly acidic (with a soil pH of 4.5 to 5.5), moist, well-drained soils in full sun to partly shady conditions. Sandy or lateritic soils with high humus are best suited for this crop. Red dark brown soils free from rock gravel are also good for Cinnamon plants

Landscape Uses

Cinnamon javanica is used landscape shrub or small tree.