The genus Cinnamomum

186 M. Hasanah et al.
Figure 7.1 A twig of C. burmannii with panicle.
Kostermans (1964) lists the following varieties of C. burmannii:
var. angustifolium Meissner
var. chinense (Bl.) Meissner
var. kiamis (Nees) Meissner
var. lanceolatum Miquel
var. microphyllum Miquel
var. sumatrense Teijsm & Binnenad
var. suleavene Miquel
Production
Light, rich sandy loam soil is best suited for the cultivation of Indonesian cinnamon for
the production of the high quality bark. Growth is reported to be good in andosol,
latosol and organosol soil types (Siswoputranto, 1976). But many small holders’ plantations
are on steep hillsides where the soil is stony, lateritie and less suitable for the
production of high quality bark. The annual rainfall of the hilly regions of Padang
is about 2000–2500 mm with short dry periods in May and September. The growth is
slower at higher altitudes, while at low elevations the trees grow faster, but the bark is
thinner and of lower quality and value.
Indonesian cassia is cultivated very similarly to that of Sri Lankan cinnamon except in
the matter of harvesting (see Chapter 4). Cassia plants are raised from seeds. Vegetative