Cinnamomum zeylanicum is native to the Indian subcontinent, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, but most specifically Sri Lanka. Cinnamon originated in Sri Lanka, where it acquired one of its common names, Ceylon Cinnamon (Ceylon was Sri Lanka’s previous name). Cinnamomum zeylanicum prefers this area but can also be grown commercially in areas like Brazil, Java, Madagascar, Vietnam, West Indies, or Zanzibar. The tree is distributed across the Southeastern hemisphere and close to the equator (see map above).

Cinnamomum zeylanicum requires a subtropical to tropical area with full tropical sunshine and moist soil. It has been known to survive short mild frosts but nothing too prolonged, or below 32° Fahrenheit. Cinnamon trees are among many other species since the tropical rainforest it natively grows in are abundant in the amount of different species.

Such species found in these areas range from other rare and valuable trees and shrubs to an incredibly rich and diverse collection of animals including amphibians birds, insects mammals, and reptiles. Some of the common animals seen in these areas include:

•Monkeys (Purple faced Langur)

•Civets (Golden Palm Civet)

•Mongooses (Badger Mongoose)

•Deer (Sambhur and Muntjac)

•Rodents (rats, shrews, giant squirrels)

•Venomous snakes (Merrem's Hump-Nosed Viper or Russell’s Viper)

•Birds (Red Faced Malkoha, Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, Ashy-headed Barbler)

•Toads and Frogs (Torrent Toad, Wrinkled Frog, Reed Frog)

•45 species of lizards such as the Green Garden Lizard

•Butterflies and Moths