A new species of Lauraceae from Guangdong, China, Cinnamomum purpureum H. G. Ye & F. G. Wang, is described and illustrated here. The new species belongs to Cinnamomum sect. Camphora Meissner and is similar to Cinnamomum parthenoxylon (Jack) Meissner in appearance, but differs by the short trunk; the thick leathery leaves with apex obtuse or acute; the branchlets, petioles, costas, young leaves, pedicels, and peduncles purplish red; anthers quadrangular with digitate staminodia; and a fusiform ovary. A key is provided to distinguish the species of Cinnamomum in Ehuangzhang Nature Reserve, Guangdong, China.