True cinnamon Cinnamomum verum

Cinnamomum comes from the Greek word Kinnamomon, which translates to spice, while verum means true.  Thus the common name of True Cinnamon.

Cinnamon is a small evergreen tropical tree native to Sri Lanka that is not likely to grow well in North Carolina due to colder winter temperatures.  Optimum conditions for growing include warm and wet climate.  Young trees will perform at their best when shade from the afternoon sun is provided.  As the tree matures, it can withstand more sunlight.  

Typically a tree grown in the tropics, it can thrive in a cooler location when overwintered in a protected environment, such as indoors as a houseplant.  After overwintering indoors, allow the tree to acclimate to the outdoors by placing outdoors for short periods of time, and slowly increasing its outdoor time each day.  Failure to provide the necessary time to acclimate can cause the leaves to scorch.  

Oils from the foliage and bark are both fragrant, and are used in the production of food and beverages as well as soaps and candles.  After drying the bark, it can be used as a spice for baking, or a seasoning for meats, sauces, pickles, and confectionery treats.  

True cinnamon is pollinated by insects, especially flies.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  A host plant for the cinnamon butterfly, who can defoliate young plants.  Beetles and leaf miners feed on the plant.  Issues with aphids, whiteflies and scale are possible.

Stripe canker, anthracnose, and leaf spot are also issues for this plant.

Although not considered invasive in the US, it has escaped cultivation in many Pacific Island locals.  These locations include Samoa, Fiji and the Cook Islands.