The Cinnamomum Zeylanicum, is the source of the cinnamon we commonly buy. This tree grows up to thirty feet tall bearing ovate-lanceolate leaves that are four to seven inches long. However, the panicles of yellowish flowers are often longer than the leaves, and bear pointed black fruits from which oil is extracted. The cinnamon sticks we commonly buy are made from the bark of the tree, and are rolled naturally by being sun-dried.
Cinnamomums prefer deep, well-drained, moist soil in order to perform their best. They hate root disturbance and should be grown in one container until they are put in their permanent place. I have tried to propagate Cinnamomum Zeylanicum myself which I acquired from B & T World Seeds. The attempt was unsuccessful, although that is the most common method.
Another more difficult method of propagation is by rooting cuttings. My understanding of this process is that they must be under mist, and in a propagation bed in a greenhouse. I also have been told that the success rate is very low with this method.
If you are looking for a source of Cinnamomum Zeylanicum, Glasshoue Works tells me they carry them occassionally, but they sell out quickly and they will not put anyone on a waiting list due to the difficulty of propogatation. Another source is Bryan Brunner who can be reached at brbrunner@yahoo.com
Seeds can be obtained from the Banana Tree but they must be fresh in order to germinate.
I recently did get one seed to germinate though. After attempting to root 12 cuttings and losing them, I found one seed I had put in the refrigerator about two years ago. I placed that seed in a rockwool cube and it did germinate. I now have that seedling growing in a hydroponic enviroment and it is doing quite well.
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