Common Name:

General Information

Cinnamomum wightii is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 30 metres tall. The bole can be 60cm in diameter[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. The leaves and bark are traded at local, domestic and international markets[].
Cinnamomum wightii is threatened by the collection of various parts of the tree for medicinal use and also by habitat loss and degradation caused by agricultural invasion, overgrazing, road construction and construction of human settlements. The plant is classified as 'Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern India.

Habitat

Scattered in evergreen forests; at elevations up to 2,600 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	24.00 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

None known

Medicinal

The bark is used in the Ayurveda and Sidha systems of medicine[].

The plant (part not specified) is used for treating wounds, fever, intestinal worms, headaches and menstrual problems[].

The bark, leaves and oil obtained from the plant are used to treat paralytic disorders, deficiency in digestive power, abdominal disorders, cough, dysuria and gynaecological disorders.[, ].

The tender fruits, including the style and calyx, are astringent, aromatic, carminative and stimulant. They are used to treat wounds, fever, intestinal worms, headache and menstrual problems[, ].

The flower buds are used medicinally and are known as 'Kala Nagkesar'[]. They are used as an ingregient of several Siddha medicines, mainly in the formulation of Amukkarac curanam[1396.

Other Uses

None known

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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