Cinnamomum mexicanum: The Mysterious Mexican Cinnamon
If you’ve stumbled across the name Cinnamomum mexicanum in your plant research, you’re likely wondering what exactly this mysterious species is all about. Well, you’re not alone – this particular member of the cinnamon family is one of those botanical enigmas that keeps even experienced gardeners scratching their heads.
What is Cinnamomum mexicanum?
Cinnamomum mexicanum belongs to the Lauraceae family, the same group that brings us the beloved culinary cinnamon. You might also see it listed under its botanical synonym, Phoebe mexicana Meisn., which gives us a clue that taxonomists have had their own debates about where exactly this plant fits in the family tree.
As the name suggests, this species appears to have connections to Mexico, though specific details about its native range and distribution remain frustratingly unclear in available botanical literature.
The Challenge for Home Gardeners
Here’s where things get tricky for those of us who love to grow interesting plants: Cinnamomum mexicanum is essentially a horticultural mystery. Unlike its famous relatives that grace our spice racks, this particular species seems to fly under the radar of most gardening resources, nurseries, and cultivation guides.
The lack of readily available information about this plant presents several challenges:
- Growing requirements remain largely unknown
- Availability through nurseries is extremely limited or nonexistent
- Mature size, growth habits, and landscape uses are unclear
- Cold hardiness and suitable growing zones are undocumented
Should You Try to Grow It?
Unless you’re a dedicated botanical collector with access to specialized sources, Cinnamomum mexicanum probably isn’t the best choice for your garden. The lack of cultivation information makes it nearly impossible to provide proper care, and finding the plant itself would be like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Better Alternatives for Your Garden
If you’re drawn to the idea of growing something from the cinnamon family, consider these more accessible options:
- Cinnamomum verum (True Cinnamon) – Can be grown in warm climates as an ornamental
- Native spice plants specific to your region – Check with local native plant societies for aromatic natives
- Sassafras albidum – A North American native with spicy, aromatic qualities
The Bottom Line
While Cinnamomum mexicanum certainly sounds intriguing, its mysterious nature makes it more of a botanical curiosity than a practical garden choice. Sometimes the most responsible thing we can do as gardeners is to admire certain plants from afar while choosing better-documented species that we can actually grow successfully.
If you’re absolutely determined to learn more about this species, your best bet is to connect with botanical gardens, herbarium collections, or specialized plant societies that might have more detailed information about its natural habitat and requirements.
