Characteristics of Cinnamon and a Detailed Guide to Its Propagation Methods

Cinnamonbelongs to the camphor family and is one of the southern medicinal plants. Cinnamon is also known by various other names such as munake or banke. According to the "Compendium of Materia Medica", processed cassia bark has the effect of benefiting the liver and lung qi, and can treat conditions such as cold and heat in the heart and abdomen, and cold-related ailments. Cassia bark, cassia twigs, and cassia stems can also be used as spices, and even the leaves can be used to press cassia oil. In short, cinnamon can truly be called a treasure from head to toe! It originated in Vietnam, and in China its main producing areas are distributed across Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Fujian and other provinces. Among these, the cinnamon from the Xijiang area of Guangdong (that is, grown in the mountainous areas along the Xijiang River) is the most famous, and the cassia bark and cassia oil it produces are renowned in domestic and international pharmaceutical and spice markets.

I. Growth Habits of Cinnamon

Cinnamon grows in subtropical regions and prefers a warm and humid climate. Its growing environment requires an annual average temperature above 20°C, and it cannot tolerate temperatures below 2°C. It fears frost and snow, and grows fastest during the rainy season at around 18°C. Mature cinnamon trees are not strict about soil properties and can grow well in sandy soil, clay soil, acidic soil and other types of soil. If it can be planted on mountain slopes with deep yellow loam soil, that is most suitable, and it also grows best there. Cinnamon seedlings fear strong sunlight, while mature trees need ample sunlight. According to relevant data, the climate, soil and other natural conditions in most parts of our province are suitable for planting cinnamon. Its cultivation has many advantages, including low investment, quick results, high returns, long-term benefits, and being easy to plant and manage. At present, however, in our province it is only planted in parts of a few cities and counties such as Deqing, Yunan and Gaoyao. It is rarely found elsewhere, so there is great potential and room for development, and it can be promoted on a large scale.

II. The propagation method of cinnamon is mainly seed propagation.

1. Site selection and land preparation: Cinnamon is a deep-rooted tree species, and deep soil, loose texture and good drainage make yellow loam soil the best choice. It is not suitable to propagate and raise seedlings in soil with a high groundwater level or a large sand content. For land preparation, the whole area must be plowed and the field sun-dried. After the topsoil has been sun-bleached, make beds 1.2 m wide with ditches 40 cm wide, break up the clods of soil, and rake them level.

2. Seed treatment: In February and March, when the peel of cinnamon seeds turns purplish-black, they can be harvested in batches. The freshly collected fruits should be placed in a water tank and washed to remove the peel and pulp, then taken out and dried off the surface moisture before sowing. Seeds should not be exposed to sunlight or stored for a long time. If buying from the market, choose fresh, plump ones with large fruits, wash and treat them immediately after buying, then dry them and plant them in the field.