| General Description | The evergreen tree Cinnamomum glaucescens, commonly referred to as Nepalese cinnamon, is indigenous to the Himalayan region. It is highly valued for its fragrant bark, which contains cinnamaldehyde and is used in traditional medicine as well as a spice. A close relative of this species is Cinnamomum verum, also known as "true cinnamon". For centuries, people have used Nepalese cinnamon for its therapeutic qualities, which include benefits for the digestive and respiratory systems. |
| ID Characteristic | Cinnamomum glaucescens is well-known for its aromatic leaves, which, when crushed or bruised, release a pleasing cinnamon scent. Its primary distinguishing characteristic is its unique scent, which also helps set it apart from the other plants. Cinnamomum glaucescens has smooth, greyish-brown bark. Mature trees often develop slightly rougher textures to their bark, even though young trees may have smoother bark. The texture and colour of the bark can help identify the species. It has elliptical leaves that have slightly serrated edges and pointed tips. One distinguishing feature is the reddish-pink colour of the leaf petioles, or leaf stems, which becomes noticeable due to its contrast against the green foliage. This characteristic is especially noticeable and useful for accurate identification.
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| Shape | When Cinnamomum glaucescens is young, it usually has an upright or columnar shape, which gradually changes as it grows mature to a more rounded or oval shape. The tree usually grows into a large, spreading canopy with branches that arch beautifully as it gets bigger. Therefore, it’s general form can be characterized as being upright and pyramidal at first, changing into an oval or rounded crown as it ages. |
| Landscape | This evergreen tree is not as frequently used in landscaping compared to other plants, but it can be useful in some landscape designs. It is appropriate for urban plantings, parks, naturalization projects, wildlife habitats, and specialty gardens with the focus on fragrance or biodiversity. This is largely in part of its ornamental value, aromatic qualities, and suitability for particular environmental conditions. Comparing it with landscaping plants that are grown widely, its application might be more restricted. |
| Propagation | Sexual propagation (which is propagation through seed) is the most common and effective method for Cinnamomum glaucescens plant. It is best to plant seeds in containers as soon as they are ripe, because they have a limited shelf life. Since the fruit pulp may prevent germination, remove it. The seeds should then be soaked in lukewarm water for 24 hours, then should be immediately sown in a well-draining, nutritious potting mix. Scarification should be done by lightly filing, which may increase germination rates. Once scarification is complete, seeds can be stratified for 90–120 days by keeping them in a moist medium at 4°C. Seeds can be planted in individual containers at a depth of 1-2 cm after stratification is finished. When the seedlings are big enough to handle, plant them at a depth of 1-2 cm into individual pots, and when they are at least 10 cm tall, plant them in their final locations. When conditions are ideal, germination usually takes place in 1-2 months. |
| Cultivation | Tropical climates with high humidity and regular rainfall are ideal for plant growth. Its ideal temperature range is from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). Fertile, well-drained soils are preferred for cultivation. It favours sandy or loamy soils that have a high organic matter content. As they get older, cinnamon trees can withstand full sun, but they usually prefer partial shade when they're younger. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil, with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0 being ideal. Enough moisture is necessary for Sugandha Kokila, though waterlogging should be avoided through adequate drainage. It is tolerant of urban environments and can be grown there with proper soil, climate, and maintenance conditions. |
| Pests | One major disease that affects the Cinnamomum is leaf spot and dieback. It can be characterized by small brown dots on leaves; lesions may fall out of leaves, leaving a shot hole. Lesions may combine to form irregularly shaped brown patches; stem dieback. It is caused by fungus. It can be managed by pruning diseased branches, and applying 1% Bordeaux mixture can aid in disease control. One major insect is mites. These tiny insects with variable colours and truculent bodies cause unusual galls on the undersides of leaves, leaf stalks, and/or newly emerging stems. These roughly conical-shaped galls are the result of microscopic mite damage that is invisible to the naked eye. It is caused by ’Arachni’. It can be managed by frequently checking the underneath of leaves for the existence of gall mites; large trees frequently sustain little damage and don't need to be controlled. Since chemical control is ineffective once mites have entered the leaves, appropriate miticides must be applied in a protective manner. |
| Notable Specimens | Royal Botanic Garden, different forest of Himalayan regions, NARC. |
| Habitat | Cinnamomum glaucescens is a native of the Himalayan region, found in Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of northeastern India. It is also known by the common names Nepal cinnamon and Nepalese cinnamon. Typically, this species of cinnamon grows between 500 and 2,000 meters (or 1,600 and 6,500 feet) above sea level in mountainous areas. Subtropical to temperate climates with high humidity and frequent rainfall are the characteristics of this plant's habitat. It grows best in soils that are partially shaded, have enough moisture content, and drain well. These trees can be found in forests quite frequently, usually in groups with other broad-leaved trees like oaks, rhododendrons, and magnolias. Cinnamomum glaucescens is not commonly grown outside of its natural range due to its habitat requirements. |
| Bark/Stem Description | The bark is smooth when it is young and frequently has a greenish-grey colour. The bark of the tree turns darker and rougher as it ages, eventually turning a dark brown or greyish-brown colour. It often forms irregular plates by developing shallow fissures and furrows with its age. |
| Flower/Leaf Bud Description | Cinnamomum glaucescens produces tiny, cylindrical buds that range in length from 0.5 to 1 cm. The overlapping scales that cover them range in colour from green to brown, safeguarding the internal developing structures. These buds grow in a regular pattern, usually arranged alternately along the branches. |
| Leaf Description | Cinnamomum glaucescens is an evergreen plant with leathery, elliptical, or ovate leaves. Their dimensions vary between 2 and 10 cm for width and 5 to 18 cm for length. The undersides of the leaves may seem paler than the glossy, dark green colour on upper surface. Overall, the foliage appears sleeker because of the smoothness of the margins. There are noticeable veins that run parallel to the midrib in pinnate veins. |
| Flower Description | The flower is small and barely noticeable, grouped into clusters referred to as panicles. They are creamy-white in colour and typically have a diameter of about 5 mm. Spring and summertime flowering draws a variety of pollinators, including butterflies and bees. Sepals, petals, stamens, and a pistil make up the flower's structure complete. However, the plant is wind-pollinated, so these components may be smaller. |
| Fruit Description | The fruits of Sugandha Kokila usually have a diameter of 1-2 cm and are small to medium in size. Having an ovate to oblong shape, these drupes frequently have an ellipsoidal or slightly flattened appearance. When fruits are fully ripe, they usually have a dark purple to blackish colour. Green or reddish colours can be seen in immature stage of fruit. Fruits are carried on the branches after developing from the tree's flowers. Typically, the fruits are arranged on tree's branches are as a grouped or clustered. A fleshy mesocarp encircles a single seed inside each fruit. Like all drupes, the endocarp that encases the seed is stony and hardened. Sugandha Kokila is known for its edible mesocarp, which also frequently has a pleasant scent. Within the hard endocarp, the seed is protected. |
| Colour Description | The leaves of Cinnamomum glaucescens are rich, deep green in colour with an opposite arrangement. The smooth bark usually has a brown or grey colour. When ripe, the tiny, berry-like fruit changes from green to dark purple or black. The Clusters of delicate white flowers that C. glaucescens displays when in bloom give the plant a delicate and elegant appearance; however the flowers are barely noticeable. |
| Texture Description | It is characterized as having a medium texture. The leaves keep their glossy green colour and smooth surface. The foliage has a constant texture all year round. However, as the bark ages it might experience minor textural changes, eventually developing rougher patches. |