Cinnamomum culitlawan
(L.) Kosterm.
Culilawan cassia
wikimedia· cc0
Wikimedia Commons - Arckenhausen.; Blume, Karl Ludwig; Henry, Aimé; Henry, AimeÌ; Payen.; Sulpke, C. G.
wikimedia· cc0
Wikimedia Commons
wikimedia· cc0
Wikimedia Commons - Arckenhausen.; Blume, Karl Ludwig; Henry, Aimé; Henry, AimeÌ; Payen.; Sulpke, C. G.
Description
A tree. It has slender small branches. The leaves are opposite. The leaf stalk is 1 cm long. The blade is sword shaped and 9-12 cm long by 2.5-4.5 cm wide. It is rough but without hairs. The flower panicle is 6 cm long and in the axils of leaves. There are only a few flowers.
Edible Uses
The bark smells of cloves (this is the meaning of 'kulitlawang') and is used as a spice. The oil is a source of eugenol, which can be used for the synthesis of vanillin. The root bark has a fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) flavour and has been used as a substitute for sassafras bark (Sassafras albidum).
Traditional Uses
The bark smells of cloves and has been used as a spice. The bark and bud is used for flavouring.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
The bark smells of cloves (this is the meaning of 'kulitlawang') and is used medicinally. The bark and its oil (lawang oil) are used as a constipating agent and as a medicine against cholera.
Distribution
A tropical plant.
Where It Grows
Asia, China, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, SE Asia, Vietnam,
Cultivation
Species in this genus generally prefer an acidic soil with ample moisture in the growing season and a position with some shade. Species in this genus are generally able to resprout from basal wood if the top is damaged, and will soon recover from any damage. The whole plant is aromatic.
Propagation
Seed - the seed has a short viability and is best sown as soon in containers as it is ripe. Remove the fruit pulp since this can inhibit germination. Soaking the seeds for 24 hours in lukewarm water hastens germination. Germination can take 1 - 6 months at 20°c. The germination rate of fresh seed is about 50%, falling to 25% for seed 6 months old, and zero for those 1 year old. Stored seed should be sown as soon as possible in containers. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions when 10cm or more tall. Cuttings of semi-ripe side shoots, 7cm with a heel, in a frame with bottom heat.
Other Uses
Essential oils obtained from the wood and from the leaves are used as perfumes in commercial cosmetic preparations. The wood is not suitable for timber but is good for fuel.
Notes
There are about 250 Cinnamomum species.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Kulitlawang, Kayu teja, Salakat
References (4)
- Burkill, I.H., 1966, A Dictionary of the Economic Products of the Malay Peninsula. Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Vol 1 (A-H) p 557
- Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 193
- PROSEA handbook Volume 13 Spices. p 249
- Seidemann J., 2005, World Spice Plants. Economic Usage, Botany, Taxonomy. Springer. p 101
