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:

General Information

Toona fargesii is a deciduous tree growing up to 30 metres tall. The bole can be 90cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its valuable timber which is used locally and also exported.
The timbers of Toona species are highly prized but now generally scarce through excessive logging activities throughout their distributional ranges[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern China. Possibly also in northeastern India, Bhutan and Myanmar.

Habitat

Dense forests, mixed woods, valleys, streamsides, often in moist habitats; at elevations from 300 - 1,900 metres in China[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	25.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Young trees require some protection from direct sun, but become more light demanding as they grow older[].

Edible Uses

We have no specific information for this species, but the leaves of most, if not all members of this genus can be cooked and used as a vegetable[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

Extracts from the bark, heartwood and leaves apparently have insecticidal qualities[].

We have no specific information on the timber of this species. The following is a general description for the wood of this genus:-
The heartwood is a light brick red when first exposed, aging to a rich reddish brown; it is clearly demarcated from the pinkish, greyish white, or yellow brown sapwood[]. The texture is rather coarse and uneven; lustrous; grain generally straight to somewhat interlocked; fragrant cedary odour, pronounced when fresh, characteristic acrid taste[]. The wood works well, though there is some gumming of cutters; it dresses smoothly; easy to nail, screw, and glue. The heartwood is moderately durable but vulnerable to termite and borer attack[]. It is used for joinery, furniture and cabinetwork, decorative veneers, racing boats, musical instruments, and patternmaking[].

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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