Cinnamomum aromaticum

Name and publication

Cinnamomum aromaticum Nees in Wallich, Pl. asiat. Rar. 2: 74 (1831).

Description

Curls of cassia bark, either whole or broken, are some of the few naturally scented items in imported potpourri. Coils may be 2-15 cm long x 5-15 mm wide, sometimes tied together in bundles with raffia. The odor, when crushed, is intensely cinnamon-like and similar to the tiny, hot “cinnamon” heart candies, more pungent than that of true cinnamon. These pieces are usually leftovers from millineries.

Nativity and distribution

Cinnamomum aromaticum is native to China but widely cultivated in the tropics.

Family

Lauraceae