Common Name: Cedro

General Information

Cedrela fissilis is a deciduous tree with a dense, roundish crown; it can grow 20 - 50 metres[, , ]. Of variable habit, the bole often branches from low down, though it can produce a long, clear bole 50 - 100cm in diameter and 12 - 18 metres tall above the buttressed trunk[, ].
The tree produces a high quality timber, for which it is commonly exploited from the wild. It is also used locally as a medicine and source of fuel[, ]. It is suitable for use as a pioneer species when restoring woodland and, being very ornamental, is often planted in large gardens, along streets and sometimes for shade in parks etc[, ].
At one time an abundant and wide-ranging species, but populations throughout its range have been decimated by overexploitation and also habitat loss[]. Consequently, the tree has been listed as 'Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Western S. America - Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, north through Central America to Costa Rica.

Habitat

Found in lowlands along streams and upland rain forests[]. A species of tropical, lowland to submontane forest of various types[]. Found in both dense primary and more open secondary forest, favouring deep, moist, fertile soils[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	25.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of low to medium elevations in the tropics.
Succeeds in full sun and also in moderate shade[, ]. Prefers well-drained slopes on chalky soils[]. Grows well on well-drained fertile soils[].
A fast-growing tree, able to reach a height of 3 - 4 metres within 2 years from seed[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The bark is astringent and emetic[, ]. A decoction of the grated trunk bark is drunk as a remedy for malaria, vomiting and diarrhoea[]. The bark has also been recommended for the treatment of leucorrhoea, and is used as a dressing on ulcers[, ].

A decoction of the wood is used as a wash for cleaning sores, and in a vapour bath to treat orchitis[].

The fruits and the seed contain the limonoid triterpene fissinolide[].

Agroforestry Uses:

A very fast-growing tree that is tolerant of full sun, it can be used as a pioneer species when restoring native woodland and can also be used when establishing a woodland garden, though it should not be planted in homogeneous stands because it is susceptible to borers[].

Other Uses

The heartwood varies from pale pinkish-grey to deep reddish-brown with pronounced stripes and a high golden lustre; it is clearly demarcated from the 3 - 5cm wide band of whitish or yellowish-pink sapwood. The texture is moderately coarse; the grain straight or slightly interlocked; growth rings well demarcated; a characteristic fragrant scent is usually present; the taste is slightly bitter. The wood is light to moderately heavy; soft to very soft; it is very durable in dry conditions but it rots rapidly when buried or submerged, and is somewhat susceptible to termites. Soft tissue fairly abundant and found around the pores as well as in lines more or less parallel to the rings. Some cells are filled with resin. The timber seasons fairly rapidly with little or no splitting or warping if handled with care. Some tendency to collapse in drying may occur. It works easily with both hand and machine tools; the finish may be affected by interlocked grain and occasional gum pockets; in planing, 200 degree cutting angle will give a good finish; it has good gluing, nail holding and screw holding characteristics; stains and polishes well; slices readily. It is reported to have moderately good steam bending properties. The wood is widely used for making plywood, veneer, sculptures, models and frames, it is also used for cabinet making, high class furniture, naval and aircraft construction, railroad ties, canoes, general carpentry and pencils[, , , ].
It is a moderately good fuel[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed or in individual containers. A very high germination rate can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 12 - 18 days[]. The seedlings should be ready to plant out 2 - 4 months later[].
Natural regeneration may be encouraged by clearing around seed trees[].

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