White cinnamon, White caneel
Canella winterana

Family: Canellaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 15 m tall. The crown is dense. The leaves are oval or spoon shaped. They are simple and dark green. They are 10 cm long by 4 cm wide and are glossy. They have an aroma. The flowers are in tight clusters at the ends of branches. The flowers have an aroma. They are purple, violet or red. The fruit is a berry 1 cm across. They are bright red and become purple as they ripen.

There are 1 or 2 Canella species.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It is native to the West Indies and Florida. It grows in thickets on dry coastal limestone. It can tolerate drought and some salt. It grows in hardiness zones 9-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

America, Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Caribbean, Central America (country/location of origin), Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico (country/location of origin), North America, Puerto Rico, Russia, South America, St. Kitts and Nevis, USA, West Indies (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The bark is used as a spice. It has the smell of cinnamon and cloves. It is also used to flavour liqueur. The leaves are also used as a spice. Caution: The bark is also used to procure abortions.

Edible parts

Bark - spice, leaves - spice, caution

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

It is slow growing. The bark is sold rolled in tubes.

Its other names

Local names

Bahama whitewood, Barbasco, Bois cannelle, Canela, Canella, Curbana, Kamil, Wild cinnamon

Synonyms

Canella alba Murr.; Winterana canella L.;