There is some confusion over the correct name for this species. We are using the Flora of China[] as reference, but some other authorities use Cinnamomum pedunculatum[].

Common Name:

General Information

Cinnamomum japonicum is an evergreen tree that can grow 10 - 15 metres tall. The bole can be 30 - 35cm in diameter[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials. An exceptionally beautiful tree with great elegance, it is sometimes grown as an ornamental in gardens.
The plant is classified as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southeast China, central and southern Japan, North and South Korea

Habitat

Evergreen broad-leaved forests on low hills, near seashores; at elevations from 300 - 1,000 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Near Threatened
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	12.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Cinnamomum japonicum has proved to be remarkably hardy in cultivation, frequently surviving temperatures down to -18°c in North Carolina, USA, although it has sustained some damage to the stems during a prolonged period of -22°c[]. It requires hot summers in order to fully ripen the current season's growth, otherwise it is more susceptible to winter cold[].
Requires a very sunny position in climates with cooler summers, but otherwise requires some shade from the strongest sun. Prefers an acidic soil with ample moisture in summer[].
Species in this genus are generally able to resprout from basal wood if the top is harmed, and will soon recover from frost damage[].
All parts of the plant are fragrant[].
This is an exceptionally beautiful tree with great elegance. While young it forms a narrow column, but with age it extends horizontally spreading branches with drooping shoots. The leaves are also pendulous, and equally beautiful, their long outline enhanced by the three veins. On emergence they are pink or reddish, but mature to a slightly glossy dark green with a dull grey-glaucous reverse. The bark remains green for several years. It is probably best grown in light or dappled shade, with plenty of moisture during the growing season[]

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The bark contains essential oils (especially phellandrene, eugenol, cinnamic aldehyde, methyleugenol), mucilage and tannins[]. It is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat gastro-intestinal pain, lumbago, arthralgia, anaemia and lochia[].

Other Uses

The leafy branchlets and bark contain volatile oil, which is a source of perfume[].
The essential oil from the leaves is an ingredient of commercial cosmetic preparations where it is used as a masking agent[].
An extract from the leaves is an ingredient of commercial cosmetic preparations, where it is used as an antioxidant[].
An extract from the bark is an ingredient of commercial cosmetic preparations, where it is used as a skin conditioner[].

The fruit kernel contains oil and fat, which are used in soap manufacture[].

The wood is hard and durable and is used for house construction and furniture[].

Propagation

Seed - the seed has a short viability and is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse[]. Remove the fruit pulp since this can inhibit germination[]. Germination can take 1 - 6 months at 20°c[]. Stored seed should be sown as soon as possible in a warm greenhouse[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Consider giving them some protection from the cold for at least their first two winters outdoors.
Cuttings of semi-ripe side shoots, 7cm with a heel, early summer/July in a frame with bottom heat[].