Cinnamon, Cinnamomum zeylanicum

tree of the family Lauraceae (Avocado, Camphor laurel, Laurel, Sassafras)

Origin: South India.
Tough, entire leaves, devoid of stipule, containing oleaginous substances, as well as the bark.
Flowers, yellow or green, symmetrical radiating, grouped in inflorescences; the elements of the calyx and of the corolla, disposed on two ranks, are alike.
The fruit is a berry or a false drupe.
Use: the Cinnamon is exploited for its bark (the cinnamon which is a spice). We extract from it an essential oil used in gastronomy and in chemist's shop. The Indians attribute to cinnamon the property to treat colds and diarrhea.