El Cinnamon, scientifically known as Melia sourach and also called paradise tree, agriaz, piocha, canelo, lilac or rosary tree, is a species of deciduous tree widely appreciated in ornamental gardening and urban environments for its resistance, leafy canopy and spectacular flowering. This species belongs to the family meliaceae, the same as mahogany, and stands out for its rusticity, ease of cultivation and ability to adapt to different climatic and soil conditions.
Origin and Global Distribution
Native to South and East AsiaCinnamon, especially from the foothills of the Himalayas, has spread worldwide as an ornamental species. It was introduced to warm and temperate regions on all continents, where it has easily adapted and naturalized, even being considered invasive in certain areas. It is commonly cultivated in Europe, America, Africa, and Oceania and is a common sight in urban areas, parks, and public and private gardens.
- Scientific name: Melia sourach L.
- Family: meliaceae
- Popular names according to region: cinnamon, bitter, piocha, lilac, paradise, rosary tree, among others.
Cinnamon is especially abundant on the Iberian Peninsula, the Canary Islands, South America, and other Mediterranean regions, and historical documents attest to its presence dating back to medieval times, when it was used to provide shade near waterwheels and wells.
Botanical Description and Morphology
Melia sourach is a medium to large tree which can reach variable heights depending on the climate and soil conditions:
- Usual height: between 8 and 15 meters, although in optimal conditions it can reach 20 meters.
- Trunk diameter: up to 60 cm in long-lived specimens.
- Crown: wide, rounded, or umbrella-shaped; can measure between 4 and 8 meters in diameter.
- Trunk: generally straight and short, with greyish or dark brown bark, initially smooth and cracking longitudinally with age.
- Branching: open or sometimes dense structure, depending on the variety and growing conditions.
Stands out for a shallow root system, which makes transplanting easier, although it requires some caution in windy areas given the fragility of the branches in strong winds.
Leaves
Cinnamon leaves are one of its main distinguishing features:
- Type: bipinnate compound (sometimes tripinnate), alternate or more or less opposite.
- Size: They can reach up to 90 cm in length.
- Leaflets: more or less triangular or oval, serrated edge, medium to dark green on the upper side and lighter on the underside.
- Arrangement: alternate, giving a light but leafy appearance to the crown.
The 'Jade Snowflake' variety features variegated leaves with a mix of green and creamy white. In contrast, the 'Umbraculiformis' offers a denser shade canopy and a long trunk.
Flores
Su spring flowering It is one of the most valued features:
- Inflorescences: terminal panicles up to 20 cm long.
- Color: Flowers with five long, narrow petals, typically pale lilac or bluish, sometimes white. The central tube housing the stamens is purple.
- Fragrance: pleasant and subtle, very aromatic, attracting numerous pollinating insects.
The 'Floribunda' variety is cultivated for its extraordinary precocity and abundant flowering.
Fruits
The cinnamon fruits They are globose drupes, very visually appreciated although potentially toxic:
- Diameter: between 1 and 2.5 cm (8-25 mm).
- Color: Green at first, maturing to pale yellow, cream or orange.
- Duration: They remain on the tree even after the leaves fall, being a winter decoration.
- Contents: Each drupe contains 1 to 5 oblong seeds protected by a hard endocarp and fleshy covering.
These fruits serve as food for certain birds, such as the Argentine parrot, although they are poisonous to most mammals, including humans and livestock.
Ecology and Adaptation
Cinnamon stands out for its great resistance and adaptability:
- It tolerates prolonged droughts and intense heat, as well as light frosts if the summer is warm.
- It tolerates poor, dry, acidic or alkaline soils and contaminated urban environments.
- It is resistant to severe pruning, pollution and transplants, although it is not a very long-lived species.
It is frequently found running wild in open areas, urban lots, roadsides, and disturbed land, and sometimes behaves as an invasive species, displacing native flora.
Growing and Care Requirements
Exposure and climate
- Full sun It is ideal for its development and flowering, although it can thrive in semi-shade.
- Warm or temperate climates, although it can withstand low temperatures down to -10°C if well acclimatized.
- Its branches are somewhat fragile: continuous exposure to strong winds should be avoided.
Land
- Prefers soils fresh, fertile and well-drained, but it is able to adapt even to arid and nutrient-poor soils.
- Excess moisture or waterlogged soils can negatively affect root health.
Irrigation
- Tree very resistant to drought, especially once established.
- During the first year, weekly watering is recommended in warmer months to promote rapid rooting and growth.
- Watering for adults: In spring and summer, 2 to 3 times per week (50-60 minutes per session, preferably with drip irrigation). In autumn and winter, watering once a week or every 10-12 days (30-40 minutes if the air is humid) is sufficient.
Pruning
- Admits training and maintenance pruning to keep its canopy balanced or remove dry branches, although it generally does not require frequent interventions.
- Pruning should be done in winter, when the tree is dormant.
Multiplication
- It reproduces easily by seed, which can be sown in spring after light scarification to facilitate germination.
- Cuttings are possible, although less common. Seeds usually germinate quickly, and young plants grow vigorously.
Diseases and Pests
Cinnamon is a rustic species, not prone to serious illnesses. However, the following may occur:
- Root fungi due to waterlogging.
- Attack by leaf-mining or defoliating insects under stress conditions, although rare.
- In very humid environments, pay attention to the root rot.
In organic treatments, aggressive products are avoided, as the tree generally recovers well with improved environmental conditions.
Uses of Cinnamon
Ornamental and urban
- Trees for streets, walkways, squares, parks and gardens for their cool shade and attractive appearance.
- In urban alignments, such as shade and decoration tree.
- As an isolated specimen in private gardens and public spaces.
Industrial and artisanal
- Prized wood Due to its pleasant grain and resistance to moisture, it is used in turning, furniture, agricultural tools or even for making matches.
- It is also used in the construction of parts exposed to water, since it withstands humidity and attacks from wood-eating insects well.
- Good quality for firewood, since burns even in green.
- In India it is used in paper making.
Traditional and religious
- The seeds are used to make rosaries, necklaces and beads; hence its popular name 'rosary tree'.
- Considered a sacred plant in regions such as India, Malaysia and Iran.
- In some areas, its fruits decorate nativity scenes and popular religious ornaments.
Medicinal properties and biological applications
- Extracts of leaves and fruits They have natural insecticidal properties and are used in organic farming and domestic pest control.
- In traditional medicine it was used (with great caution) as a purgative, emetic and to eliminate external parasites such as lice.
- The root bark, when infused, acts as a purgative and facilitates menstruation. However, its use requires medical supervision due to toxicity.
Toxicity and Precautions
All parts of cinnamon contain toxic compounds for mammals, especially the ripe fruits (drupes), which contain neurotoxins and alkaloids such as tetranortriterpene. Ingestion of significant amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, pulmonary congestion, rigidity, convulsions, motor incoordination, and cardiac arrest, and is potentially fatal to children, pets, and livestock.
- Instead, Many birds consume the fruits without harm. and are part of their diet.
- It is recommended to avoid planting near children's play areas or livestock pastures.
- Medicinal use should be supervised.
Curiosities and Historical Notes
- The gender Melia It was proposed by Linnaeus, inspired by the Roman name for the flowering ash (Fraxinus ornus), due to foliar similarity although it is not a direct relative.
- In the Iberian Peninsula and America it was historically planted to design urban and rural landscapes with shade and ornamentation.
- There is an anecdote about the toxicity of its fruits in a fountain in Puerto de Santa María, where after uprooting the trees, the water became drinkable again.
- The plant contains various chemical compounds: sesquiterpenes, triterpenes, flavonoids and α-cadinol.
Pictures
Detail of the bipinnate compound leaves of cinnamon.
Spring flowering of Melia azedarach, with aromatic lilac panicles.
Clusters of yellow fruits that remain on the tree during the winter.
Cinnamon is establishing itself as a species of great aesthetic, functional, and ecological value for those seeking trees with an elegant appearance, cool shade, low maintenance, and ornamental appeal. Its presence in parks, streets, and gardens is synonymous with its resilience, versatility, and historical connection to different cultures. However, it is essential to understand its limitations due to the toxicity of its fruits for pets and children, and to take advantage of its potential as part of conscious and sustainable gardening.
