Padang cassia (Cinnamomum burmannii)

Overview

The Padang cassia, scientifically known as Cinnamomum burmannii, is a valuable broadleaf evergreen prized for its structure and aromatic qualities in suitable tropical and subtropical landscapes. Often called Indonesian cinnamon or Korintje, this species thrives as a medium to large tree, providing dense, rounded shade. Its glossy, ovate leaves contribute significantly to its ornamental appeal, especially when new growth emerges with a soft pink hue before maturing to deep green.

As a versatile tree, Cinnamomum burmannii transitions well between use as a specimen planting or highly functional street tree, provided adequate space is available. While prized horticulturally, gardeners must note that this plant has proven invasive in some warm regions outside its native range of Southeastern Asia. Successful cultivation relies heavily on providing rich, well-draining soil conditions characteristic of its humid, tropical origins.

This evergreen contributes structure year-round, complemented by small, subtle blooms that appear seasonally. The resulting dark blue fruits attract local birdlife, adding movement to the canopy. Understanding the specific needs of Padang cassia is key to ensuring a healthy, long-lived specimen in USDA Zones 9 through 11.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Lauraceae
• Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
• Native Range: Southeastern Asia, Indonesia
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 9-11
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 12-50 ft
  • Spread: 12-50 ft
• Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
• Bloom Description: Creamy white, Yellow
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

Cinnamomum burmannii thrives when planted in locations receiving full sun to partial shade, ensuring it receives consistent light without extreme afternoon baking in hotter climates. The ideal growing medium must be rich, evenly moist, and characterized by excellent drainage, often achieved by amending the soil with organic matter to favor sandy loam conditions and slightly acidic pH. Planting is best done in spring or early summer to allow the root system time to establish before cooler periods.

Maintenance requires diligence, especially regarding moisture levels. Water deeply but infrequently once established, ensuring the soil never becomes waterlogged, which can lead to root issues. Fertilization should be light, focusing on balanced, slow-release formulas applied in early spring to support vigorous growth throughout the primary growing season. Pruning is generally minimal, primarily focused on removing dead or crossing branches to maintain the desired shape and canopy density.

Gardeners in Zone 9 must remain aware of winter temperatures, as extended hard freezes can damage or kill susceptible tissues. While Padang cassia is established in these zones, monitoring conditions during unusually cold snaps provides necessary insurance. Attention to the new foliage helps track pest activity early in the season.

Landscape Uses

The size potential of Padang cassia makes it suitable for use as a majestic specimen tree, providing significant scale and year-round structure in large landscape designs. It functions effectively as a shade tree, cooling paved areas or patios during hot months, and its robustness makes it a candidate for street tree applications where deep-rooted adaptability is beneficial. The aromatic bark is also a highly valued commodity, linking its landscape use directly to its culinary importance.

When using Cinnamomum burmannii ornamentally, pair it with understory plantings that appreciate similar medium water needs and filtered light, such as various ferns or shade-tolerant tropical ornamentals. As a street tree, its dense, rounded canopy offers substantial visual appeal along avenues or entryways, serving as an architectural anchor in the design.

Due to its potential for size and its naturalized tendency in extremely warm locales, careful site selection is paramount to avoid conflicts with infrastructure, ensuring this imposing evergreen provides decades of service without becoming an aggressive competitor.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Insignificant

Fruit Qualities

• Edible

Noteworthy Characteristics

Cinnamomum burmannii, commonly known as Padang cassia or Indonesian cinnamon, is small to medium sized evergreen tree native to moist, tropical forests of southern China and Southeast Asia. Mature specimens typically reach between 20-50’ tall with a dense, rounded canopy of similar width, featuring glossy, ovate, aromatic leaves. The small, creamy white flowers bloom seasonally and are followed by dark blue fruits sought after by birds for seed dispersal.

Tolerances

(No tolerance data provided)

Potential Problems

The primary aesthetic concern for young Cinnamomum burmannii plants involves herbivory, as the tender new foliage is the preferred food source for the cinnamon butterfly larvae (Chilasa clytia). This feeding can result in complete defoliation of new growth if not managed. Additionally, inspect foliage regularly for signs of leaf miners and various beetles that may feed on the leaves.

Horticultural pests such as whiteflies, aphids, and scale insects can also colonize this tree, requiring targeted insecticide or horticultural oil application if infestations become severe enough to compromise plant health. Since it is susceptible to soil-borne pathogens, proper drainage is absolutely essential for prevention.

Fungal and water mold issues represent serious health threats to the Padang cassia. Be vigilant for symptoms of stripe canker, caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi, along with anthracnose, various leaf spot diseases, and rusts, all of which benefit from improved air circulation and avoidance of overhead watering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Padang cassia suitable for?

This tree is hardy in USDA Zones 9 through 11, meaning it can tolerate minimum winter temperatures down to 20°F (-6.7°C).

How large does Cinnamomum burmannii grow?

Mature specimens of this evergreen typically reach heights between 12 and 50 feet, with a comparable spread of 12 to 50 feet, developing a dense, rounded habit.

What sun exposure does Cinnamomum burmannii need?

Padang cassia prefers a location where it receives full sun to partial shade, performing best when protected from the most intense afternoon summer heat in the hottest parts of its range.

When does Padang cassia bloom?

This species is a seasonal bloomer, producing small flowers that are creamy white or yellow in color.

Conclusion

The Padang cassia offers substantial evergreen structure and aromatic value to landscapes within appropriate tropical and subtropical zones. Its use as a shade or specimen tree is highly effective, provided gardeners adhere to its need for rich, consistent moisture and well-draining soil. Before planting Cinnamomum burmannii, always confirm zone compatibility and ensure sufficient space for its mature size.

Companion Planting in Tropical Landscapes

When designing gardens around your Padang cassia, consider companion plants that share similar cultural requirements for moisture and soil fertility. Plants requiring rich, well-draining, slightly acidic loams will thrive beneath its developing canopy. Excellent companions include various shade-loving Calatheas or Heliconia species, which appreciate the filtered light provided by the mature Cinnamomum burmannii.

In areas where lower maintenance is desired, consider groundcovers that tolerate root competition once the tree is established. Avoid plants susceptible to drought, as the medium water requirements of the tree will dictate the general irrigation schedule for the entire planting area.

Wildlife Benefits and Dispersal

While the primary importance of Cinnamomum burmannii in cultivation relates to its bark, its role in supporting local fauna should not be overlooked. The small, dark blue fruits produced after flowering are a significant food source for many native and introduced bird species prevalent in its established regions.

Bird dispersal is the natural method by which this species spreads its seeds. Gardeners should be mindful that if planted near sensitive natural areas, any fallen or consumed fruit may lead to volunteer saplings of Padang cassia establishing themselves outside cultivated boundaries. This interaction highlights the connectivity between ornamental plantings and local ecological dynamics.