Common Name:

General Information

Cinnamomum wilsonii is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 25 metres tall. The bole can be around 30cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild as a source of essential oil and medicine. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental in gardens.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern China (Guangdong, Guangxi, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Shaanxi, Sichuan)

Habitat

Sparse or dense forests on sunny sites of mountain slopes, watersides, valleys; usually at elevations from 800 - 2,400 metres, occasionally descending almost to sea level[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	20.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Cinnamomum wilsonii is native to the warm temperate and subtropical zones of central and southern China. It has proven to be hardy in North Carolia, USA, where it has survived temperatures down to at least -8°c without damage. It requires hot summers, however, in order to fully ripen the current season's growth, otherwise it is more susceptible to winter cold[].
Species in this genus generally prefer an acidic soil with ample moisture in the growing season and a position with some shade[].
Species in this genus are generally able to resprout from basal wood if the top is damaged, and will soon recover from any damage[].

Edible Uses

The leafy branchlets and fruit contain essential oil, which is used as a fragrant ingredient in food[].

Medicinal

The bark is antibacterial, antispasmodic, carminative, stomachic, sedative, sialagogue, vasodilatory[].It is used in the treatment of conditions such as traumatic injuries, abdominal pain, anaemia, lumbago and arthralgia[, ].

The bark contains essential oils (especially phellandrene, eugenol, cinnamic aldehyde, methyleugenol), mucilage and tannins[].

Other Uses

The leafy branchlets and fruit contain essential oil, which is used as a fragrant ingredient in soap[].

Propagation

Seed - the seed of species in this genus generally has a short viability and is best sown as soon in containers as it is ripe[]. Remove the fruit pulp since this can inhibit germination[]. Soaking the seeds for 24 hours in lukewarm water hastens germination[], which can take 1 - 6 months at 20°c[]. The germination rate of fresh seed is about 50%, falling to 25% for seed 6 months old, and zero for those 1 year old[]. Stored seed should be sown as soon as possible in containers[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions when 10cm or more tall.
Cuttings of semi-ripe side shoots, 7cm with a heel, in a frame with bottom heat[].

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