Highly resticted natural range

The Cebu Cinnamon is endemic to Cebu Island, Philippines and is relatively new to science. It was described by A.J.G.H. Kostermans in 1986 having been collected on March 27, 1971 in a mountain forest near Sitio Cantipla, Cebu City in the central part of Cebu Island, by an unknown collector.

It is a member of the family Lauraceae, known for their aromatic bark and leaves. Some of its members, including Cinnamomum camphora, C. parthenoxylon and C. glanduliferum are an important source of camphor and essential oils for the perfume and pharmaceutical industries. The genus Cinnamomum has about 250 species, distributed throughout tropical and subtropical E Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands. 
 
It is a small to medium sized tree, reaching a height of approximately 6 to 8m and diameter of 25 to 35 cm with smooth outer bark. 

Where is it found?
C. cebuense is only known to grow in the forest fragments of Cantipla and Tabunan. According to local residents, Cantipla has a greater population than the Tabunan forest. Both forests fragments are found in Baranggay Tabunan, Cebu City in Central Cebu, Philippines.

How do people use it?
The bark of the tree has medicinal properties. It is used by local residents as remedy for stomach ache whereby the bark is either chewed directly or boiled with a glass of water before intake.  No other uses have been reported by the local residents, however the leaves of the tree may be a potential source of spice as with other closely related species.

Why is it threatened?
One of the major threats facing the Cebu Cinnamon is the loss of the surrounding forest by agricultural encroachment. The prevalent practice of stripping its bark for medicinal use also poses a threat to its survival, as this may lead to infection, or death if the tree is ring-barked.

What conservation action is needed?
Fauna & Flora International and the GTC are working with Philippine NGOs and students to conduct a survey of this species and are looking to develop this into a species conservation strategy. More information is available on the project pages here.

Selected references

Bongo, J.V. and F. Seidenschwarz. 1990. The USC Botanical Collection in Cebu City Philippines. A brief history and description of the collection. The Philippine Scientist, 87:-98-113.

Buot, I.E. Jr. 1995. Cinnamomum cebuense on Cebu Island: Conservation Concerns. The Philippine Scientist, 32:66-73.

Miller, J.,  A. Colina & J. Jumalon. 1972. “Lake Cantipla: A small Mountain Lake in Cebu.” The Philiippine Scientis 9:57-60.