Cinnamomum malabatrum (Burm f. ) Blume (LAURACEAE)
Common names
Kannada: Lavanga patre, Lavanga yele.
Description: Towering trees that can reach heights of up to 20 meters. The leaves are elliptic to oblong-lanceolate, measuring up to 28 by 8 centimeters, tapering at the base and pointed at the apex with typically three prominent veins. Their petioles can extend up to 2 centimeters in length. Flowers in paniculate cymes, bisexual, greenish yellow. Perianth lobes 6, ovate, pubescent. Stamen 9 in 3 whorls; each filament with 2 stipitate glands, anthers 4-celled. Staminodes 3. Ovary enclosed in perianth tube. Berry ellipsoid, 1.5-2 cm long; fruiting pedicel stout, warted.
Flowering & Fruiting: February – May
Distribution: India: Common in moist deciduous to evergreen forests at low altitudes. Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Endemic to South W. India.
Uses: The bark and leaves are used as spice for flavoring food.
