Malabathrum: Cinnamomum tamala

(malabathrum: cinnamomum tamala)
november, 2009
carrboro, north carolina

My malabar cinnamon tree.

This tree is known by a few different names: malabathrum, Malabar cinnamon, or Indian bay leaf. The leaves are used as a seasoning in some Indian cuisines. I've found that the scent and flavor of the leaves is very, very mild - so much so, that the primary interest in malabathrum is ornamental. Still, it has the typical 'cinnamon' look - sleek leaves with long, longitudinal veins, growing in crossed quartets.

Malabathrum is a very steady grower, and new growth is vaguely reddish, though this is not nearly as pronounced as it is with common culinary cinnamon. To my chagrin, I've also discovered that malabathrum really dislikes central heating: out of doors, it thrives as long as temperatures remain above the upper 30s. The relative drought of an indoor winter doesn't appear to be inducing much vegetative glee, though I'm putting as much effort as possible into keeping this guy happy.