The genus Toona is composed of only a few species, but phenotypic plasticity and genetic variation are responsible for much of the taxonomic complexity reflected in the literature. The species exhibit a phenomenal range of morphological variation, both within and between trees of the same population, and many of the features used by earlier authors to define their taxa have proved to be only slight morphological variants[].

Common Name: Mountain Cedar

General Information

Toona ciliata is a fast-growing, deciduous tree with a rounded, spreading, occasionally dense crown; it can grow to a height of around 20 - 35 metres[, , ]. When grown in a forest situation, the bole can be clean for 9 - 22 metres with a diameter of 180 - 300cm[]. The bole can have buttresses up to 3.5 metres tall[].
The tree has a wide range of traditional uses, and is particularly valued for its timber, which is gathered from the wild and also produced in plantations[]. It is often grown as an ornamental, especially for its flowering display[]. A popular avenue tree planted along roadsides in north India[].
The timbers of Toona species are highly prized but now generally scarce through excessive logging activities throughout their distributional ranges[].
Toona ciliata has a large range from Asia to Australia and occurs in a variety of habitats. Due to this it is assumed that the species has a large population. The tree is used for a variety of purposes but its most important use if for timber. There is a growing concern that the species will become scarce due to over exploitation for timber but this is only reported from three countries at present (China, Sabah and India). The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2018)[].

Known Hazards

Sawdust from machining operations has been reported to cause dermatitis in some individuals[].

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - China, Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, New Guinea, Australia, W. Pacific.

Habitat

Common to abundant in shade or open habitats: valleys, ravines, woods, thickets, forests, hillsides, mountaintops, slopes, near rivers and streams, especially throughout Yunnan, at elevations of 400 - 2,800 metres[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	40.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Bees, Moths
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the moist to wet tropics and subtropics, where it is found at elevations from 400 - 2,800 metres[, ]. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 18 - 34°c, but can tolerate 8 - 48°c[]. When dormant, the plant can survive temperatures down to about -3°c, but young growth can be severely damaged at 0°c[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 1,100 - 3,000mm, but tolerates 750 - 4,500mm[].
Young trees require some protection from direct sun, but become more light demanding as they grow older[]. Prefers a rich, deep, water-retentive soil[]. Does not do well on wet, compacted or poor sandy ones[]. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 - 6.5, tolerating 4.5 - 7.5[].
Widely grown as a timber tree, it has wind-dispersed seeds and has become naturalized in some areas. It needs to be monitored for potential invasiveness[].
Toona ciliata grows rapidly[]. In Hawaii an average tree height of 10 metres and an average bole diameter of 9.6 cm had been reached after 8.7 years[]. Trees may reach a height of 35 metres with a bole diameter of 70 cm when 40 years old[]. In plantations in tropical Africa, growth declines seriously after 40 years[].
Trees planted in open localities may already flower and produce seed after 6 years[].
It coppices well and produces plentiful root suckers[].
The tree has a spreading superficial root system, which may have adverse effects on the growth of agricultural crops[].
The tendency to become branchy should be controlled by close initial spacing. Thinning is required from the 4th year, and thereafter every 5 years[].
A very variable tree[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - cooked[].

Medicinal

Various parts of the plant are used medicinally throughout its geographical range[].

The bark is a powerful astringent, febrifuge, tonic, and antiperiodic[, ]. It is used to treat chronic dysentery and wounds[, ].
A resinous gum obtained from the bark is used to treat boils[].

The flowers are emmenagogue[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Mountain cedar has been used in reforestation projects and is also planted to provide firebreaks[].

Other Uses

The flowers contain a red colouring matter and also a sulphur-coloured dye[, , ]. Cotton and woollen fabric can be dyed a dull yellow by mere immersion in a boiling extract of the flowers. Used in conjunction with safflower and turmeric, they produce a sulphur-yellow colour[].

The bark contains tannin[].

A fibre obtained from the bark has been used traditionally for twines and the manufacture of string bags[].

An aromatic oil can be extracted from the fruit[].

Some extracts from the bark have insect-repellent properties[].
Extracts from the bark, heartwood and leaves apparently have insecticidal qualities[].

The wood is used for shiitake mushroom culture[].

The heartwood is pale brown, cedar brown, dark red-brown or brick red when first cut, darkening upon exposure to a rich reddish-brown with darker brown streaks. The sapwood is pinkish-white, red or pale yellow-brown, it smells strongly of cedar when cut[, ]. The grain is generally straight to somewhat interlocked, the texture moderately close and uneven, and the wood lustrous[]. A strong, fragrant, long-lasting spicy odour is usually present[]. The wood is moderately hard, lightweight, tough and durable[, ]. Staining is satisfactory, and the timber takes both water- and oil-based paints well[]. The wood has a variety of uses such as for carvings, boat building, cabinet making, cigar boxes, matchboxes, decorative plywood and veneer, food containers, high-grade furniture, interior trim, joinery, musical instruments, ornamental work, panelling, boxes and crates, building materials, exterior uses, millwork, mouldings[, , ]. The timber of this species has always been highly regarded in the manufacture of light-weight racing boats particularly sailing boats and dinghies[].

Propagation

Seed - germinates quicker and better under shade[]. It should be broadcast thinly on raised and shaded nursery beds soon after collection[]. Germination takes 8 - 15 days and fresh seed has a germination rate of 50 - 80%[].
Natural regeneration is profuse even in areas outside its natural range. Good natural reproduction can be induced by clearing the ground in the vicinity of seed bearers[].
Orthodox seed storage behaviour; 90% germination after 12 months’ storage in polythene bags at 5 - 8°c with 34-12.9% mc; complete loss of viability after 3 months at room temperature[].

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