Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a spice plant. Cinnamon grows in Sri Lanka and other countries in Southeast Asia. The tree can grow to 12 m (40 ft) high. When the bark begins to turn brown, the stems, which may be about 2.5 m (about 8 ft) tall and 5 cm (2 in) in diameter at the base, are harvested and new ones are trained to grow in their place. After the tree is stripped of leaves and twigs, the inner and outer bark is removed. As the bark dries, it forms rolls (quills), the smaller of which are inserted into the larger, and when fully dry, these are tied in bundles for shipment.

Cinnamon is yellowish brown and has a sweet smell and a sweetish, pungent taste. It is also used in some medicines. It has been used as an ingredient in foods, soaps, and medicines. Cinnamon sticks are made from the tightly rolled and dried bark of the stems.