Cinnamomum porrectum

(Roxb.) Kosterm.

Kemangi cinnamon tree

Lauraceae Edible: Spice, Bark 106 iNaturalist observations

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Description

A large tree. It can lose many leaves during the year. It grows 30 m tall. The bark is whitish. It has a aroma and forms cracks. The leaves are narrowly oval and 5-15 cm long by 3-6 cm wide. They have a sharp tip. The flowers have both sexes and are in groups near the ends of branches. The groups are 8-10 cm long. The fruit are a flattened round shape and 8 mm across.

Edible Uses

The aromatic bark of Camphora parthenoxylon is used for flavoring, like that of many other Cinnamomum species. The wood and fruit emit a strong camphor scent that repels insects, and the essential oils from its wood and leaves, known as "camphora oil", are effective in controlling household pests. The bark extract has also shown medicinal potential; in rats, it was found to reduce postprandial hyperglycemia. The durable, insect-resistant wood is valued for shipbuilding, furniture, and artwork, while the seeds can be processed into soap. Additionally, its straight trunk and large canopy make it an excellent shade tree for streets and parks. In Indonesia, the flowers hold cultural significance, symbolizing love and the connection between the living and the dead. In Kudus Regency, Java, they were traditionally scattered on tombs by family members. However, the tree is under significant pressure from harvesting for safrole, a compound used to produce the pesticide synergist piperonyl butoxide, the flavor and fragrance compound piperonal, and the psychoactive drug MDMA. Much of this illicit collection occurs in Cambodia's Cardamom Mountains and Botum Sakor National Park, a situation explored in the 2009 TV documentary Forest of Ecstasy, an episode of Vanguard.

Traditional Uses

The bark is used for flavouring food.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

A tropical plant. It grows in hilly country but at low altitudes.

Where It Grows

Asia, China, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown from seeds.

Other Information

It is a cultivated food plant.

Notes

There are about 250 Cinnamomum species.

Synonyms

Cinnamomum glanduliferum C. NeesCinnamomum parthenoxylon (Jack) C. NeesCinnamomum sumatranum (Miq.) MeissnerLaurus porrecta Roxb.

Also Known As

Chinta mula hitam, Huru pedes, Kayu gadis, Ki pedes, Laso, Mai zong, Medang benar, Medang kewangi, Medang serai, Pohon kayumanis kemangi, Selasihan, Teja lawang, Teja, Zong guan, Zong hai

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 561 (As Cinnamomum parthenoxylon)
PROSEA handbook Volume 13 Spices. p 275
Seidemann J., 2005, World Spice Plants. Economic Usage, Botany, Taxonomy. Springer. p 103
Sukarya, D. G., (Ed.) 2013, 3,500 Plant Species of the Botanic Gardens of Indonesia. LIPI p 199