Toona ciliata, known as Red Cedar, is a large deciduous tree native to southern Asia and Australia. It plays a significant role in agroecology and regenerative agriculture as a canopy layer in food forests, providing essential shade and habitat for understory plants and wildlife. Its deep root system aids in soil stabilization and nutrient cycling, enhancing soil health. Red Cedar is historically valued for its high-quality timber, used in furniture and construction. In agroforestry systems, it can be paired with nitrogen-fixing plants like Acacia to improve soil fertility. Its leaf litter contributes to organic matter, supporting a rich soil ecosystem.
Growing Details
Red Cedar thrives in well-drained, fertile soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Prior to planting, enrich the soil with organic compost and mulch heavily to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like Acacia can enhance soil fertility. Avoid waterlogging and protect young trees from frost. Harvest young leaves in spring for culinary use. Store timber in a dry, ventilated area to prevent decay.
Edible Parts
Leaves
Tags
Carbon Farming Attracts Wildlife Fire Wood Building Wood Windbreak Erosion Preventing Visual Appeal
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Toona ciliata</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to southern Asia and Australia
applicable geo region: Asia-Pacific
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of October for 30 days
Harvest:
beginning
of January for 60 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(2/5)
edible uses: The young leaves and shoots of Red Cedar can be cooked and consumed as a vegetable. They are typically harvested in spring when they are tender. It is important to cook them thoroughly to neutralize any potential bitterness.
Medicinal Rating:
(3/5)
medicinal uses: Traditionally, the bark of Toona ciliata has been used for its astringent properties to treat diarrhea and dysentery. The leaves have been used in herbal remedies for fever. Caution is advised as the plant contains compounds that can be toxic if used improperly.
health concerns: The plant contains compounds that may be toxic if consumed in large quantities or improperly prepared.
other uses: The timber of Red Cedar is highly prized for its durability and resistance to termites, making it ideal for furniture and construction. The tree also provides excellent mulch material from its leaf litter.
Scientific Literature
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Botanical data
specie: Toona ciliata
common names: Australian Red Cedar; Toon; Indian Mahogany
family: Meliaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Toona
Growing Conditions
area needed: 10.0 m
spacing: 5.0 m
growing difficulty: Medium
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 20ยฐC / 30ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 10ยฐC / 35ยฐC
water demands: High
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Deep
frost tender: High
hardness:โโโโโโโโโโ(10/10)
first harvest: 10 years
life span: 100 years
succession: Pioneer
growth rate: Fast
max height: 40.0 m
max width: 10.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Red Cedar thrives in well-drained, fertile soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Prior to planting, enrich the soil with organic compost and mulch heavily to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like Acacia can enhance soil fertility. Avoid waterlogging and protect young trees from frost. Harvest young leaves in spring for culinary use. Store timber in a dry, ventilated area to prevent decay.
Potential Disturbances: To manage pests like caterpillars and borers, introduce beneficial insects such as parasitic wasps and lacewings. Planting marigolds nearby can help repel nematodes. Neem oil and garlic sprays are effective organic solutions for pest control.
Growth Timeline
Recipes Using This Plant
Animals Interacting With This Plant
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