Calycanthus floridus

Calycanthus floridus is a shrub that grows to be around 6 to 9 ft (2 to 3 m) tall.[4] Its leaves are a dark green with a pale underside. They are ovate or elliptical in shape and grow to be about 6 inches in length.[4] The leaves are simple, entire, and arranged oppositely along the stem.[5]

The flowers are solitary, featuring a reddish brown to reddish purple color when they bloom in spring. They are aromatic and so are the leaves when bruised.[4] The flowers have a hypanthium that is more than 2 cm (0.8 in) long.[6] The shape of the flowers can be cylindrical, ellipsoid, pyriform, or globose.[7] The flowers have numerous tepals that can either be oblong-elliptic or obovate-lanceolate at maturity.[7] The flowers are perfect, having both stamens and carpels on the flowers. The stamens are numerous, connective beyond the anthers.[6] The carpels are numerous. They are free, with a single ovary in a locule.[6]

The fruits are indehiscent pseudocarps that are about 8 cm (3 in) in length and 5 cm (2 in) in diameter at maturity.[6] They are formed within the receptacle and contain numerous achenes that are roughly 10 mm (0.4 in) long with a 5 mm (0.2 in) diameter.

Calycanthus floridus is native to the eastern United States.[8] It prefers sunny habitats but can tolerate moderate amounts of shade. It grows well in environments that feature moist substrate.[9]

It is used in horticulture as the flowers are showy and fragrant.[9] The bark of the plant is edible and is reportedly used as a substitute for cinnamon.[10] The petals of the flower are also reportedly used in tea-making.[10] Strong caution is advised however, as an alkaloid in the plant may lead to heart convulsions.[10] The viscous substance within the plant is reportedly used as a disinfectant.[10]

It is highly resistant to diseases and insects, although it is prone to infection by Agrobacterium tumefaciens, which leads to the formation of crown galls on the stems.[8][11]