Scientific Name: Canella winterana

Location:

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