Cinnamomum javanicum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across the diverse tropical landscapes of the Malesia region. Within this vast area, it can be found growing in the lush forests of Borneo. Its presence is also well-documented throughout the island of Jawa. Furthermore, the species inhabits various parts of Malaya. Finally, its geographical range extends to the fertile lands of Sumatera.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Cinnamomum javanicum is characterized by its highly specific niche within its native montane habitats, where it demonstrates a remarkably narrow vertical distribution. The species is strictly localized to high-altitude environments, maintaining a consistent presence throughout its ecological range. Data indicates that its elevational range is not broad, but rather highly specialized, with a minimum, mean, and maximum elevation all centered at 1400 m AMSL. This lack of altitudinal variance suggests that the plant is adapted to the specific microclimatic conditions, such as temperature gradients, moisture levels, and atmospheric pressure, found precisely at this level above mean sea level. Such precise elevational specialization implies that Cinnamomum javanicum occupies a stable yet restricted ecological belt, making it highly dependent on the environmental stability of these specific highland zones.

Elevational range max:

1400 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Cinnamomum javanicum is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to maintain a long-term presence within its natural ecosystem through multiple growing seasons. Throughout its development, it exhibits an evergreen habit, ensuring that its foliage remains functional and green year-round without a seasonal shedding period. This continuous vegetative state supports its sustained growth and ability to thrive in stable tropical environments over an extended lifespan.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Cinnamomum javanicum is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree. It is a terrestrial species, rather than an epiphyte, and exhibits a robust structure capable of reaching a mean height of 20 m, with a maximum height recorded at up to 21 m. Although it possesses certain structural qualities, it is classified as a self-supporting plant rather than an obligatory or facultative climber, such as a liana or vine.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Plant height max:

21 m

Plant height mean:

20 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiological characteristics of the foliage in Cinnamomum javanicuam are defined by specific morphological dimensions that dictate its photosynthetic surface area and resource acquisition capabilities. The leaves exhibit significant variability in size, with a mean leaf length of 16.5 cm, though they can range from a minimum of 11 cm to a maximum of 22 cm. This longitudinal variation is complemented by a distinct width profile, where the leaf width typically maintains a mean of 5.75 cm, fluctuating between a minimum of 5 cm and a maximum of 6.5 cm. These structural parameters suggest a specialized leaf architecture optimized for light interception within its native ecological niche, balancing the surface area required for carbon fixation with the structural integrity necessary for transpiration and metabolic efficiency.

Leaf length max:

22 cm

Leaf length mean:

16.5 cm

Leaf length min:

11 cm

Leaf width max:

6.5 cm

Leaf width mean:

5.75 cm

Leaf width min:

5 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Cinnamomum javanicum is characterized by the development of specific fruiting structures that exhibit highly consistent morphological dimensions. The resulting fruits are remarkably uniform in size, maintaining a mean length of 1.5 cm, which corresponds precisely to both the minimum and maximum recorded fruit length measurements. Similarly, the fruit width displays absolute consistency, with a mean width of 1.2 cm that aligns with both the minimum and maximum width values. This lack of variance in the fruit dimensions—ranging from 1.5 cm to 1.2 cm in length and width respectively—indicates a highly stabilized reproductive output in terms of fruit morphology.

Fruit length max:

1.5 cm

Fruit width max:

1.2 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Cinnamomum javanicum has 2 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf, stem.

Leaf

1. International journal of food microbiology

Stem

1. International journal of food microbiology