CEBU CINNAMON

Cinnamonum cebuense

Species Profile
Common Name: Cebu cinnamon, kaningag, kalingag Scientific Name: Cinnamomum cebuense
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered

CHARACTERISTICS
small to medium sized tree reaching a height of approximately 6 to 8 m a member of the family Lauraceae, a family known for its aromatic bark and leaves

DISTRIBUTION
C. cebuense is only known from the forest fragments of Cantipla and Tabunan. Map distribution from William L.R. Oliver (pers comm. 2003), Director, FFI Philippines Programme. Cebu is one of the least forested islands in the Philippines and, in terms of endemism, one of the most important. At present, Cebu contains less than 15 km2 of open forest - less than one percent of its original forest cover.

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

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

CONSERVATION
The Global Trees Campaign

 The discovery of 691 individual trees not previously recorded The collection of baseline information on the species Increased awareness of the tree amongst local people The ongoing monitoring of Cebu Cinnamon by local people The production of seedlings of Cebu Cinnamon and their replanting by local partners

Sources
www.yahoo.com Science for Young Minds pp.10-15