Cinnamon Bark
(Canella)
Canella winterana
Plant Family: Canellaceae
Leaves: Alternate, simple, obovate, shiny, dark green, to 12 cm, apices are rounded or may be notched; new growth is a lighter green.
Bark: Brown, rough on younger trees, lightly fissured on older specimens; the inner bark is yellow.
Flowers: The buds open to reveal red flowers with five petals, held in short clusters at the branch ends throughout the year, peaking in summer.
Fruits: Green stalked berries, ripening to bright red, found in clusters or singly at the branch ends, popular with birds; usually winter to spring.
Habitat: Sandy soils, hammock edges of the Keys.
Growth Form: A small, densely shrubby tree with one or two trunks.
Key Features: The obovate leaves, brown bark, and spicy taste of the leaves will identify Canella.
Comments: Canella is Latin for cinnamon, but this is not the same tree that produces commercial cinnamon, which is native to Southeast Asia, although the inner bark has a scent of cinnamon and has been used in the West Indies to produce a pungent spice and medicinal drink.
