CEBU CINNAMONCEBU CINNAMONCinnamonum cebuenseCinnamonum cebuense

Species ProfileSpecies Profile

Common Name: Cebu cinnamon, Common Name: Cebu cinnamon, kaningag, kalingagkaningag, kalingag

Scientific Name: Cinnamomum cebuenseScientific Name: Cinnamomum cebuense

Conservation Status: Critically Conservation Status: Critically

EndangeredEndangered

CHARACTERISTICSCHARACTERISTICS

small to medium sized small to medium sized tree reaching a height of tree reaching a height of approximately 6 to 8 m approximately 6 to 8 m

a member of the family a member of the family Lauraceae, a family Lauraceae, a family known for its aromatic known for its aromatic bark and leaves bark and leaves

DISTRIBUTIONDISTRIBUTION

C. cebuense is only known from the forest C. cebuense is only known from the forest fragments of Cantipla and Tabunan. Map fragments of Cantipla and Tabunan. Map distribution from William L.R. Oliver (pers distribution from William L.R. Oliver (pers comm. 2003), Director, FFI Philippines comm. 2003), Director, FFI Philippines Programme.Programme.

Cebu is one of the least forested islands in the Cebu is one of the least forested islands in the Philippines and, in terms of endemism, one of Philippines and, in terms of endemism, one of the most important. At present, Cebu contains the most important. At present, Cebu contains less than 15 km2 of open forest - less than one less than 15 km2 of open forest - less than one percent of its original forest cover.percent of its original forest cover.

THREATSTHREATS

One of the major threats facing the Cebu One of the major threats facing the Cebu cinnamon is the destruction of its habitat. cinnamon is the destruction of its habitat. The prevalent practice of stripping its The prevalent practice of stripping its bark for medicinal use also poses a bark for medicinal use also poses a threat to its survival.threat to its survival.

CONSERVATIONCONSERVATION

Because of its critical condition, the Cebu Because of its critical condition, the Cebu cinnamon tree was among the 11 indigenous cinnamon tree was among the 11 indigenous tree species planted by the Philippine Business tree species planted by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) when it kicked off for Social Progress (PBSP) when it kicked off its 2009 Cebu Hillylands Reforestation Caravan its 2009 Cebu Hillylands Reforestation Caravan last June 27, 2009 at Sitio Cantipla, Barangay last June 27, 2009 at Sitio Cantipla, Barangay Tabunan, Cebu City. An average of 30-50 Tabunan, Cebu City. An average of 30-50 seedlings were each planted by more than 200 seedlings were each planted by more than 200 individuals from 20 companies and institutions individuals from 20 companies and institutions who participated the kick-off. who participated the kick-off.

CONSERVATIONCONSERVATION

The Global Trees CampaignThe Global Trees Campaign

The discovery of 691 individual trees The discovery of 691 individual trees not previously recordednot previously recorded

The collection of baseline information The collection of baseline information on the specieson the species

Increased awareness of the tree Increased awareness of the tree amongst local peopleamongst local people

The ongoing monitoring of Cebu The ongoing monitoring of Cebu Cinnamon by local peopleCinnamon by local people

The production of seedlings of Cebu The production of seedlings of Cebu Cinnamon and their replanting by Cinnamon and their replanting by local partnerslocal partners

SourcesSources

www.yahoo.comwww.yahoo.com Science for Young MindsScience for Young Minds

pp.10-15pp.10-15