Pohnpeian Cinnamon: A Mysterious Pacific Tree Worth Knowing About
If you’ve ever stumbled across the name Pohnpeian cinnamon (Cinnamomum carolinense) in your plant research adventures, you might have found yourself scratching your head. This lesser-known member of the cinnamon family is one of those plants that keeps a low profile in the gardening world, despite being part of the same genus that gives us the beloved spice we sprinkle on our morning coffee.
What Exactly Is Pohnpeian Cinnamon?
Pohnpeian cinnamon is a perennial tree that typically grows as a single-trunked specimen reaching heights of 13 to 16 feet or more. Like other trees, it can occasionally develop multiple stems or stay shorter under certain environmental conditions, but it generally wants to stretch up toward the sky as a proper tree should.
In Palau, this tree goes by the name ochod, giving us a hint about its cultural significance in Pacific island communities. As part of the Cinnamomum genus, it’s related to the trees that produce commercial cinnamon, though specific information about its aromatic properties remains elusive in horticultural literature.
Where Does It Come From?
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit confusing). Pohnpeian cinnamon is considered non-native to its current documented locations of Guam and Palau, yet it has established itself naturally in these Pacific Basin areas. The tree reproduces on its own without human intervention and has become part of the local landscape, though it’s not found in Hawaii.
Should You Plant Pohnpeian Cinnamon?
This is where we hit a bit of a knowledge gap. While Pohnpeian cinnamon isn’t currently listed as invasive or noxious, there’s surprisingly little information available about its horticultural characteristics, growing requirements, or potential impact on native ecosystems. This makes it difficult to provide a definitive recommendation either way.
The Challenge of Growing the Unknown
If you’re considering adding Pohnpeian cinnamon to your landscape, you’ll be venturing into relatively uncharted gardening territory. Here’s what we don’t know:
- Specific soil requirements
- Water needs and drought tolerance
- Preferred light conditions
- Cold hardiness zones
- Common pests or diseases
- Propagation methods
- Benefits to pollinators and wildlife
A Responsible Approach
Given the limited information available about this species, gardeners interested in Pohnpeian cinnamon should proceed with caution and responsibility. Since it’s not native to most areas where people might encounter it, consider exploring native alternatives that provide similar tree structure and benefits to local ecosystems.
If you do choose to work with this plant, ensure any specimens come from reputable sources, and monitor its behavior in your landscape to ensure it doesn’t spread aggressively or compete with native vegetation.
The Bottom Line
Pohnpeian cinnamon represents one of those fascinating plant mysteries that remind us how much we still don’t know about the botanical world. While its connection to the aromatic cinnamon family makes it intriguing, the lack of detailed growing information makes it more of a specialist’s plant than a mainstream garden choice.
For most gardeners, focusing on well-documented native species will provide more predictable results and greater benefits to local wildlife and ecosystems. However, for plant enthusiasts drawn to botanical mysteries, Pohnpeian cinnamon offers an opportunity to learn alongside a lesser-known member of a famous plant family.
