Cinnamomum parthenoxylon

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Cinnamomum parthenoxylon Trunk, Siu Lek Yuen

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Foliages Cinnamomum parthenoxylon

Cinnamomum parthenoxylon is a species of tree in the Lauraceae family. It is native to parts of Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. This tree is known for its aromatic bark, which is sometimes used in traditional medicine and as a spice.

Description

Cinnamomum parthenoxylon is a medium to large-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to 30 meters in height. The bark is smooth and grayish-brown, and the leaves are simple, alternate, and elliptical to lanceolate in shape. The leaves are glossy green on the upper surface and paler underneath. The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are yellowish-green in color. The fruit is a small drupe that turns black when ripe.

Habitat

This species typically grows in tropical and subtropical forests, often at elevations ranging from sea level to 1,500 meters. It prefers well-drained soils and can be found in both primary and secondary forests.

Uses

The bark of Cinnamomum parthenoxylon is aromatic and has been used in traditional medicine for its purported health benefits. It is sometimes used as a spice, similar to cinnamon, although it is less commonly known and used. The wood of the tree is also valued for its durability and is used in construction and furniture making.

Conservation Status

The conservation status of Cinnamomum parthenoxylon is not well-documented, but like many tropical tree species, it may be threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation and land conversion for agriculture.

Related Species

Cinnamomum parthenoxylon is related to other species in the Cinnamomum genus, including Cinnamomum verum (true cinnamon) and Cinnamomum cassia (Chinese cinnamon).

See Also

• Cinnamomum
• Lauraceae
• Cinnamon
• Traditional medicine