Fiji Cinnamon: A Rare Pacific Treasure for Specialized Gardens
Meet Fiji cinnamon (Cinnamomum pedatinervium), a fascinating tree that’s as exotic as its name suggests. This lesser-known member of the cinnamon family brings a touch of Pacific island mystery to the gardening world, though it’s certainly not your typical backyard tree.
Where Does Fiji Cinnamon Call Home?
Despite its common name suggesting Fijian origins, this unique tree is actually native to the broader Pacific Basin region, specifically found growing naturally in Guam and Palau. It’s part of the rich botanical heritage of these Pacific islands, where it has adapted to the tropical island climate over countless generations.
What Makes This Tree Special?
Fiji cinnamon is a perennial tree that typically grows as a single-trunked specimen, reaching impressive heights of 13-16 feet or more under ideal conditions. Like its more famous cinnamon cousins, it’s a woody tree that can live for many years, potentially becoming a long-term landscape feature.
What sets this tree apart is its rarity in cultivation. While many gardeners are familiar with common cinnamon varieties, Cinnamomum pedatinervium remains a specialty plant that’s not commonly found in typical nurseries or garden centers.
Should You Consider Growing Fiji Cinnamon?
Here’s where things get a bit tricky. While this tree has undeniable appeal for collectors of rare plants or those interested in Pacific island flora, there are several important considerations:
- Availability: Finding Fiji cinnamon plants or seeds can be extremely challenging
- Climate requirements: This tree likely needs warm, tropical conditions similar to its native Pacific island habitat
- Limited growing information: There’s scarce data available about specific care requirements, making it a challenging choice for novice gardeners
- Specialized needs: As a Pacific island native, it probably requires specific humidity, temperature, and soil conditions
Growing Conditions and Care
While specific growing information for Fiji cinnamon is limited, we can make educated guesses based on its native habitat and its relationship to other cinnamon species:
- Climate: Likely thrives in warm, tropical conditions with high humidity
- Temperature: Probably suited for USDA zones 10-12, similar to other tropical cinnamon trees
- Soil: Well-draining, fertile soil with good organic content
- Water: Regular moisture without waterlogging
- Light: Likely prefers partial shade to filtered sunlight
Is This Tree Right for Your Garden?
Fiji cinnamon is definitely not a beginner’s plant. If you’re interested in this rare species, consider these points:
Best suited for: Experienced gardeners with tropical or subtropical climates who enjoy collecting rare plants and have the patience to work with limited growing information.
Not ideal for: Beginning gardeners, those in cooler climates, or anyone looking for a low-maintenance landscape tree.
Native Alternatives to Consider
If you’re drawn to the idea of growing a cinnamon-related tree but Fiji cinnamon proves too challenging to source or grow, consider these alternatives:
- If you’re in the Pacific region: Look for other native aromatic trees from your local area
- For mainland gardeners: Consider native spice plants like wild ginger, bay laurel (where native), or other aromatic native trees
- Tropical gardeners: Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) is more readily available and better documented for cultivation
The Bottom Line
Fiji cinnamon is undoubtedly an intriguing plant with a unique Pacific island heritage. However, its rarity, limited availability, and specialized growing requirements make it more of a collector’s dream than a practical garden choice for most people. If you’re determined to grow this exotic species, be prepared for a challenging but potentially rewarding gardening adventure.
For most gardeners, exploring native alternatives or more commonly available cinnamon species might be a more practical path to adding aromatic, tropical flair to their landscapes.
