Cinnamosma fragrans

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Cinnamosma fragrans var. baillonii
• Cinnamosma fragrans var. perrieri

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is further organized into the order Canellales and the family Canellaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Cinnamosmum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is characterized by a very specific and limited natural range. Its primary geographical distribution is centered within the Western Indian Ocean region. More specifically, Cinnamomum fragrans is found natively on the island of Madagascar. This localized occurrence highlights its unique status as an endemic species to this particular area. Consequently, the plant's survival is closely tied to the unique ecosystem of its Madagascan habitat.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Cinnamomum fragrans is characterized by its growth habit as a phanerophyte, meaning its perennating buds are located high above the ground on woody stems, allowing it to establish a significant vertical structure within its ecosystem. As a perennial woody species, it follows a developmental trajectory that transitions from seedling establishment to a robust, long-lived stature. While its primary architectural classification is that of a phanerophyte, its ecological niche and structural complexity can occasionally reflect characteristics associated with the nanophanerophyte life form in younger or more stunted specimens, though it typically strives toward a larger canopy presence. Its lifecycle involves consistent seasonal growth cycles facilitated by its woody perennial nature, ensuring survival through various environmental fluctuations by maintaining its reproductive and vegetative buds in elevated, protected positions.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Cinnamomum fragrans is characterized by its stature as a woody tree, exhibiting a robust and permanent structural framework. As a terrestrial species, it establishes itself firmly in soil environments, functioning as an independent organism without reliance on parasitic or epiphytic behaviors. Unlike climbing species that require external support, this plant is self-supporting, maintaining its upright growth form through its developed woody tissue.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Cinnamosmum fragrans is characterized by a highly consistent seed development process, which is essential for its propagation and survival in its natural habitat. The reproductive cycle culminates in the production of seeds that exhibit remarkable uniformity in their physical dimensions. Specifically, the seed volume remains extremely stable across the population, with a measured maximum, minimum, and mean volume all precisely recorded at 730 mm³. This lack of variance in seed volume suggests a highly regulated physiological mechanism during the maturation phase, ensuring that each offspring possesses a standardized energy reserve and structural integrity necessary for successful germination and early seedling establishment.

Seed volume max:

730 mm³

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Cinnamosma fragrans has 10 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Cinnamodial, Capsicodendrin, Cinnamolide, Helicide, Polygodial.

Cinnamodial

1. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters
2. bioRxiv : the preprint server for biology

Capsicodendrin

1. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters

Cinnamolide

1. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters

Helicide

1. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters

Polygodial

1. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters

Ugandensolide

1. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters

bemadienolide

1. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters

cinnamadin

1. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters

cinnamosmolide

1. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters

vanilloloside

1. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters

Conditions

Cinnamosma fragrans has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include breast cancer.

Breast cancer

1. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters

Preparations

Cinnamosma fragrans has 3 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include bark extract, ethyl acetate extract, methanol extract.

Bark extract

1. PLoS neglected tropical diseases

Ethyl acetate extract

1. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters

Methanol extract

1. Bioorganic & medicinal chemistry letters