Lauraceae Cinnamonium zeylanicum Garc. ex Blume
Source: Magness et al. 1971
This is a small semi-tropical tree, 20 to 30 feet high, with thick ovate to lanceolate leaves 4 to 7 inches long. It is hardy in the Gulf States of the U.S. Most of the cinnamon of commerce comes from Ceylon. It is the ground bark of the tree. The best quality of bark is from branches at least 2 years old. Cinnamon is widely used in cookery and confections. The flavor is due to a volatile oil contained in the bark. The cinnamon oil of commerce is extracted from inferior bark, not suitable for grinding.