Scientific Name: Canella winterana

POWO Status: Shrub or Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Least Concern

Location:

Medicinal Uses

Canella winterana (Wild Cinnamon, Pepper Cinnamon) has a rich history in Caribbean herbalism for treating colds, fevers, indigestion, and sore throats, with its bark used as a tonic and spice, though the outer bark is toxic, and modern use requires caution as research confirms its antimicrobial properties but more is needed on safety for some uses, with pregnant women advised to avoid it. 

Traditional Medicinal Uses

• Digestive Issues: Bark decoctions for indigestion, diarrhea, and as a general stomach tonic.
• Respiratory Ailments: Used for colds, fevers, coughs, and hoarseness.
• Pain Relief: Crushed leaves for toothaches; infused oil for rheumatism and arthritis.
• Circulation & Energy: Bark tonics used for poor circulation and “female tiredness”.
• Scurvy: Historically used as a source of vitamins (A, C, E). 

How It’s Used

• Tea/Decoction: Inner bark boiled with hot water (not boiling) for 5-10 mins, then steeped.
• Infused Oil: Bark infused in oil for topical application.
• Spice: Dried bark and berries used in cooking and to flavor tobacco. 

Modern Understanding & Precautions

• Active Compounds: Contains cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, known for antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic effects, supporting traditional uses.
• Toxicity: The outer bark is toxic; only the inner bark is used medicinally.
• Safety: Not enough data to fully assess effectiveness for colds/circulation; high doses/oils can irritate, and pregnant women should avoid it. 

Important Note

Always consult a healthcare professional before using Canella winterana for medicinal purposes, especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking other medications, as scientific data on safety for some applications is limited, and the plant is endangered in some areas.

Observations:

Phenological Markers – Wild Cinnamon Tree (Canella winterana)

1. Leaf Behavior
Wild Cinnamon is evergreen, maintaining its shiny, leathery, dark green leaves throughout the year.

• Leaves are simple, alternate, and oblong, with a noticeable pale midrib.
• Leaf turnover is gradual, with no strong seasonal leaf drop observed.

Observation Tips:

• Track new leaf emergence at branch tips, often with a bronze or reddish tinge.
• Monitor for leaf aging and shedding, which occurs individually and unobtrusively.

2. Flowering
Flowers are small, pink to purple, star-shaped, and strongly fragrant, often growing in tight axillary clusters.

• Flowering typically occurs in the spring to early summer (March–June), though light flowering can occur at other times.
• The flowers are attractive to bees and give the tree a soft ornamental quality.

Observation Tips:

• Look for dense flower clusters along branches, especially on mature wood.
• Track fragrance intensity, which increases in warm morning hours.
• Record pollinator visits, especially small bees and hoverflies.

3. Fruiting
Fruits are bright red berries, about the size of a pea, that stand out against the green foliage.

• Fruiting follows flowering, typically June–August, but ripe berries may persist into fall.
• Fruits are consumed by birds, aiding in natural seed dispersal.

Observation Tips:

• Monitor fruit development, from green to red.
• Record fruit drop and wildlife interaction, especially with frugivorous birds.

4. Growth Habit
A slow-growing, understory tree, Wild Cinnamon usually reaches 15–25 feet in height.

• Prefers moist, well-drained soils, often found in semi-shaded forest habitats.
• The bark is pungently aromatic, releasing a cinnamon-clove scent when scraped.

5. Seasonal Pattern (St. Croix)

• Jan–Feb: Steady canopy; minimal change
• Mar–Jun: Peak flowering
• Jun–Sep: Fruiting (bright red berries)
• Oct–Dec: Canopy maintenance and occasional flowering