Why do all the plants smell like cinnamon? You ever walk through your garden or some park and boom; you catch a smell of something sweet and spicy like cinnamon in the air? What is even more surprising, if you are thinking why some plants produce this unexpected aroma, then not only are you right but also you are absolutely justified?
Though all cinnamon necessarily comes from the bark of a Cinnamomum tree, the scent of cinnamon is found in lots of different plants because a few volatiles are common in many trees something that varies with season.
In this article, we’re going to see plant smells reminiscent of cinnamon and explain why in some cases, the science around those flavors, and how those aromas actually serve plants and ecosystems as a whole very well!
What Produces the Odor of Cinnamon in Plants?
The traditional smell of cinnamon is attributed to compounds known as volatile organic compounds, cinnamaldehyde and eugenol, in this case. Those natural chemical compounds provide the warm, spicy aroma that you will think of cinnamon. However, they are not unique to Cinnamomum; therefore a cinnamon odor can be produced in many other types of plants.
VOCs released by plants are often linked to defence, pollination or adaptation mechanisms. Here are possible ways for these plants to smells like Cinnamon:
- Common Chemical Constituents
Other plants which contain compounds such as cinnamaldehyde or eugenol can even release similar smells even though they are not true cinnamon.
- Temperature and Season Changes
Due to cold temperatures making some VOCs more apparent, cinnamon scents can be noticeable as the fall or winter season approaches.
- Release from Stress
Some plants release VOCs when faced with stress, temperature changes and in the effort to attract particular pollinators thus creating scents that resemble cinnamon.
Plantdegree by Cinnamon-smell Plants
Next, we will look at some plants can emit a cinnamon-like smell and how these fragrances occur.
- Cinnamon Basil
Cinnamon basil is one of the more famous cinnamon smelling herbs. Cinnamate, a compound related to the cinnamon-scented compound found in basal basil, is responsible for this variety of basil. What sets cinnamon basil apart from other varieties of sweet basil is its uniquely spicy scent and flavour, which makes it a favourite among culinary enthusiasts.
Culinary use: Cinnamon basil is commonly used in teas, desserts, and as an aromatic in savoury dishes. It has a cinnamon-like scent, so it is also great as a companion plant to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Camphor tree
The camphor tree, which is a cousin of the true cinnamon tree, gives off a spicy fragrance from its leaves and bark because it contains large amounts of other compounds including cinnamaldehyde and camphor. While camphor itself is chemical and pungent, people tend to smell something reminiscent of cinnamon from this tree, particularly on warm days when the compounds become more volatile.
Applications: Camphor oil, derived from the camphor tree, is commonly used for its medicinal and aromatic properties. Its fragrance, though, is determined highly by season and climate.
- Sassafras
Although the smell is more cinnamon and clove like, it smells close enough to a sweet blend to remind you of baked cinnamon in nature. Safrole produces its unique aroma in the leaves, twigs and roots of sassafras.
This is traditionally used for root beer production and medicinal purposes, but current usage limited due to safety concerns. However, its spicy scent makes it a valuable addition to any natural landscape.
- Sweet Woodruff
On the other hand, ground cover plants such as the sweet woodruff release an appealing warm aroma likened to cinnamon and vanilla. That smell becomes a little more noticeable when you dry the plant because of coumarin, also present in cinnamon.
Uses: Sweet woodruff is often grown as an ornamental plant, and dried leaves are sometimes added to potpourri and herbal tea. Its fragrance will prevent pests making it a good addition for gardens.
Why Do Some Plants Release Hot or Spicy Chemicals?
That shock of cinnamon-like smells released from several different plants is not only a delightful surprise, but it can serve an official purpose for the plant itself. This is how such a smell contributes to plants getting away with killing and to the workings of ecosystems:
Scientifically, some compounds that contain cinnamon aromas attract pollinators. Warm or spicy scents often attract bees, butterflies and other insects to the flowers for pollination.
- Pest Repellent
Many of the VOCs are natural pest repellents, and this is true for cinnamaldehyde too. The cinnamon scent can repel those pesky insects and animals wanting to destroy the plant. Some aromatic herbs partly use their fragrances to repel pests and attract beneficial insects, for example.
- Adaptation to the Environment
In colder climates, plants might develop stronger odors to enhance their odds of survival. Cinnamon or other warming aromas that develop in the cooler parts of the year could allow plants to conserve energy, draw certain pollinators, or promote soil nutrient cycling.
- Stress-Response
When under stress, for example damage received by high and low temperatures, or a physical blow, few plants will produce these cinnamon-like VOC materials as a response. Stress also prompts plants to release aromatic compounds as part of their defense strategy, warning neighboring vegetation or repelling herbivores.
Filling Your Garden with Cinnamon Scents
But if you can’t get enough of that sweet cinnamon scent and would like to enjoy it year round, perhaps grow some of these plants that smell like cinnamon in your garden. These plants not only impart a pleasant fragrance but many of them come with their own usefulness:
- Cinnamon basil: Good for several recipes and will draw in pollinators that are good for your garden.
- Camphor Tree: Gorgeous shade tree that smells spicy when it gets hot
- Sweet Woodruff: This is another natural ground cover that will help fill your garden to keep it smelling wonderful while also helping to repel pests.
- Sassafras and Saffron Crocus: Both of these plants contribute a warm, cozy scent and make great ornamental adornments.
These can be grown in pots or garden bed, even inside the home if you like to enjoy the smell of cinnamon throughout your home and garden.
In Summary
Why do all the plants smell like cinnamon? The cinnamon-like smell in plants is a result of an intriguing combination of natural compounds and environmental conditions. Although cinnamon is derived from the Cinnamomum tree, spices such as cinnamon basil, camphor, sweet woodruff and sassafras are highly aromatic plants with a unique mix of many volatile organic compounds that gives them a spicy smell.
Aromatic compounds are very important for pollinator attraction, pest repulsion and plant adaptation. The next time a breeze carries the smell of cinnamon past your garden, remember: nature is weird. This sensory experience is not just reserved for the spice rack it also belongs to the exquisite chemistry and ecology woven into gardening that makes every moment spent growing greenery an infinite joy.
