Nectandra nitidula
Nees
Canela
MBG
MBG
What to Eat
Edible parts: Bark - tea
The bark is used for tea.
Where to Find It
It is a tropical plant. In Brazil it grows between 800 and 1,300 m altitude.
Brazil*, South America,
How to Identify
A tree. It grows 4-8 m high. It can be a shrub. The crown is irregular and sparse. The trunk is 20-30 cm across. The leaves are simple and alternate They are 6-12 cm long by 2-5 cm wide. The flowers are in a group near the ends of the branches. The fruit is an oval berry.
How to Grow
Plants can be grown from seed. The ripe fruit are harvested and put in a plastic bag to soften then the seed removed. The fresh seeds are planted and germinate in 40-50 days. The seedlings can be transplanted into the field after 5-6 months.
Propagation: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a sunny position in a nursery seedbed. A germination rate of less than 50% can usually be expected, with the seed sprouting within 40 - 50 days. When the seedlings are 4 - 5cm tall, pot them up into individual containers and they should be ready to plant out 5 - 6 months later.
Other Uses
The wood is thick-textured, moderately heavy, hard, with good mechanical properties and durable. It is used in general construction for purposes such as beams, scantlings and boards; for light cabinet making, lathe work and external applications such as poles, stakes, railway sleepers (of second quality) etc.
Production
Plants reach 1.5 m high in 2 years.
Names & Synonyms
Canela-amarela, Canela-do-mato, Canela-da-mata-ciliar, Canela-do-corrego
References (2)
- Grandtner, M. M. & Chevrette, J., 2013, Dictionary of Trees, Volume 2: South America: Nomenclature, Taxonomy and Ecology. Academic Press p 479
- Lorenzi, H., 2002, Brazilian Trees. A Guide to the Identification and Cultivation of Brazilian Native Trees. Vol. 02 Nova Odessa, SP, Instituto Plantarum p 145
