Cinnamomum loureiroi aka Saigon Cinnamon

Cinnamomum loureiroi is an evergreen tree native to Vietnam. It belongs to the laurel family, Lauraceae. Its names include Saigon cinnamon, Vietnamese cinnamon, and Vietnamese cassia. It grows in forests at low and middle elevations. Some wild trees occur as high as 6,562 feet [2,000 metres]. People gather its bark from wild trees and grow it for harvest.

This tree grows at a medium rate and keeps its leaves year-round. PFAF gives a height of 59 feet [18 metres]. It lists a spread of 49 feet [15 metres]. Useful Tropical Plants gives a broader height range. Its trees reach about 49–66 feet [15–20 metres]. The bark provides the spice sold as Saigon cinnamon. Harvesters peel it from stems and young branches. The drying bark rolls into tubes known as quills. Thin, scraped bark can look pale reddish brown. Thick bark left unscraped can look grey.

Warm, moist tropical and subtropical sites suit this tree. Its best mean yearly temperature range is 20–30°C. It prefers high rainfall but also grows with a dry season. Give it full sun or some shade. It favours rich, sandy soil that holds moisture yet drains well. PFAF also lists loam and clay as suitable soils. The preferred soil pH lies between 5 and 6.4. Reported tolerance extends from pH 4.5 to 8. PFAF places it in USDA zones 10–12.

The bark and its oil add flavour to food. Cooks use the sweet bark in baking and cordials. People also dry unripe fruits for sale as cassia buds. PFAF lists flowers and inner bark among its edible parts. Trees need at least 10–12 years before yielding high-grade bark. Its food uses support a place in warm-climate food forests. Traditional medicine uses dried bark for digestive complaints and other purposes. These uses do not establish that it treats illness. PFAF reports high coumarin levels, though its hazard entry lists none known.

Fresh seed offers one means of raising new trees. Seed loses viability soon, so prompt sowing matters. Removing the fruit pulp can help seeds sprout. At 20°C, germination may take one to six months. Growers can also use semi-ripe side shoots with a heel. The cited method uses bottom heat for these cuttings.