Cinnamomum malabatrum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cinnamomum malabatrum |
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Cinnamomum
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malabatrum
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Cinnamomum malabatrum, also called wild cinnamon or country cinnamon, is a special tree. It belongs to the Lauraceae family. This tree grows naturally only in the Western Ghats of India. It can grow quite tall, up to 15 meters (about 49 feet). Its leaves smell wonderful. People use them in cooking and for health.
Long ago, people believed this tree was a main source of the famous ancient plant leaves called malabathrum. In Kerala, India, it has local names like Edana, Therali, or Vazhana.
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What is Wild Cinnamon Used For?
The bark of the wild cinnamon tree is sometimes used in cooking. However, it is not as strong in flavor as true cinnamon or cassia. Sometimes, Cinnamomum malabatrum is mixed with another spice called Cinnamomum tamala.
A Special Sweet Treat
In Kerala, India, the leaves of Cinnamomum malabatrum are often used to make a sweet dish. This dish is called kumbilappam or chakka-ada. The leaves give these sweet dumplings a unique and delicious flavor.
Where Did the Name Come From?
The name malabathrum has an interesting history. It is thought to come from the Sanskrit word tamālapattram. This word literally means "dark-tree leaves."
The word "Malabar" traditionally described the west coast of Southern India. This area is now the state of Kerala and nearby places. The word mala or malaya means "mountain" in the Tamil and Malayalam languages. It also means "mountain" in Sanskrit.
Other Cinnamon Trees
Cinnamomum malabatrum is part of a larger family of cinnamon trees. Here are some other well-known types:
