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entry Cinnamomum verum (formerly C. zeylanicum), “true cinnamon”
or Sri Lanka or Ceylon cinnamon, is a small evergreen tropical
tree in the Lauraceae (laurel family) that originated in Sri
Lanka and is one of several Cinnamomum species that produce the
commercially important spice known as cinnamon. Although cassia
(C. aromaticum), which is less expensive and has a stronger
flavor, is often marketed as “cinnamon,” C. verum is generally
considered to have a more delicate flavor that is more suitable
for desserts.  The names “cinnamon” and “cassia” cause
considerable confusion, as they are often used interchangeably.
In the U.S., the spice produced from the dried, ground bark of
any of these species is referred to as “cinnamon,” without
distinguishing among species. In addition, “cinnamon” may also
refer to the spice obtained from the aromatic bark of an
unrelated species, Canella winterana (in the Canellaceae). When
the spice is sold in bark form, ra