Canela
Nectandra nitidula

Family: Lauraceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 4-8 m high. It can be a shrub. The crown is irregular and sparse. The trunk is 20-30 cm across. The leaves are simple and alternate They are 6-12 cm long by 2-5 cm wide. The flowers are in a group near the ends of the branches. The fruit is an oval berry.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. In Brazil it grows between 800 and 1,300 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Brazil (country/location of origin), South America

How it is used for food

The bark is used for tea.

Edible parts

Bark - tea

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. The ripe fruit are harvested and put in a plastic bag to soften then the seed removed. The fresh seeds are planted and germinate in 40-50 days. The seedlings can be transplanted into the field after 5-6 months.

Plants reach 1.5 m high in 2 years.

Its other names

Local names

Canela-amarela, Canela-do-mato, Canela-da-mata-ciliar, Canela-do-corrego

Synonyms

Nectandra nitidula Nees var. latifolia Nees; Nectandra nitidula Nees var. major Nees; Nectandra nitidula Nees var. minor Nees; Nectandra sarcoalyx Nees;