Cinnamomum is a genus of large, broadleaf evergreen trees native to tropical and subtropical regions of Australasia. There are around 250 species, most of which will not grow in areas of frost. Sadly, this includes the most famous members of the genus, from the bark of which cinnamon is made. All members of the genus have fragrant foliage and bark, though not always as pleasant smelling as cinnamon.
In our area, the only species you are likely to see is C. camphora, which is a fairly common tree. As the name suggests, camphor oil comes from this tree. It has a broad, irregular crown, with the branches snaking out in a strange pattern that sometimes reminds me of an octopus. Many people love this tree and an equal number hate it due to its numerous, darkly colored berries which are popular with birds. Tough and adaptable, this tree succeeds in most landscapes and is also a common weed tree, popping up where it is unwanted and even in natural areas, provided there is enough moisture. Though fairly drought tolerant, it can't survive without any access to some water, and drought stressed trees tend to become afflicted with verticillium wilt.
Old trees can grow trunks of enormous size, and some trees in Japan are claimed to be over 1000 years old, but I'm not sure how this was established. Tree ages are typically exaggerated, sometimes to an extreme extent. Some trees locally are known to have been planted around 150 years ago and are still going strong.
Overall, a fairly unique tree, and not a bad one for the area. That said, I don't necessarily promote these because of their issues with verticillium wilt and because they can invade natural areas to some extent.
In our area, the only species you are likely to see is C. camphora, which is a fairly common tree. As the name suggests, camphor oil comes from this tree. It has a broad, irregular crown, with the branches snaking out in a strange pattern that sometimes reminds me of an octopus. Many people love this tree and an equal number hate it due to its numerous, darkly colored berries which are popular with birds. Tough and adaptable, this tree succeeds in most landscapes and is also a common weed tree, popping up where it is unwanted and even in natural areas, provided there is enough moisture. Though fairly drought tolerant, it can't survive without any access to some water, and drought stressed trees tend to become afflicted with verticillium wilt.
Old trees can grow trunks of enormous size, and some trees in Japan are claimed to be over 1000 years old, but I'm not sure how this was established. Tree ages are typically exaggerated, sometimes to an extreme extent. Some trees locally are known to have been planted around 150 years ago and are still going strong.
Overall, a fairly unique tree, and not a bad one for the area. That said, I don't necessarily promote these because of their issues with verticillium wilt and because they can invade natural areas to some extent.