Common Name:

General Information

Cinnamomum austrosinense is an evergreen tree usually growing 5 - 8 metres tall, occasionally reaching 16 metres. The bole can be up to 40cm in diameter[].
Probably the wild form of the cultivated spice 'cassia', the plant is harvested from the wild at least on a local level for use as a spice, medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern China (Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Jiangxi, Zhejiang)

Habitat

Evergreen broad-leaved forests, thickets on mountain slopes, along streams; at elevations from 600 - 700 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	6.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

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

This species shares similar uses with Cinnamomum cassia and may represent the wild form of that species[]. The uses of cassia are as follows:-

The dried bark is the source of the important spice cassia[]. Both the bark, and an essential oil derived from it, are used as a flavouring in various foods such as curries, confectionery, baked goods, chewing gum etc[]. The bark contains less essential oil than true cinnamon, but it is more pungent[]. The bark is one of the ingredients of the Chinese 'Five Spices' mix[].
The immature fruits, also known as cassia buds, are widely used in the food industry as a flavouring in items such as breads, cakes, chocolates and pickles[, ].

An essential oil distilled from the leaves is used as a food flavouring in soft drinks, sweets etc[, ].

Medicinal

This species shares similar uses with Cinnamomum cassia and may represent the wild form of that species[]. The uses of cassia are as follows:-

The bark of cassia is a pungent, sweet, hot herb that stimulates the circulatory system, improves digestion, relieves spasms and vomiting and controls infections[]. The twigs have been shown to increase perspiration and lower fevers[].

The inner bark is used in Western herbalism in preparations to treat digestive problems such as diarrhoea, flatulent dyspepsia and colic, as well as colds[]. In the Orient it is used to treat diarrhoea, poor appetite, low vitality, kidney weakness, rheumatism and coldness[].

The leafy twigs are used in the Orient to treat colds, influenza, fevers, arthritic and rheumatic complaints, angina, palpitations and digestive complaints[].

The plant is used medicinally as a carminative[].

Other Uses

This species shares similar uses with Cinnamomum cassia and may represent the wild form of that species[]. The uses of cassia are as follows:-

The essential oil obtained from the bark is used as a flavouring in toothpastes, and as a scent in incense[].
Extracts of the leaves, wood, bak etc are used in commercial cosmetic preparations as perfumes[].
The dried and powdered bark is used in commercial cosmetic preparations as a skin conditioner, hair conditioner, for oral care etc[].

The wood is used for making furniture, sawing boards, implements etc[].

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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