Cedro, Cigar Box Tree
Cedrela fissilis

Family: Meliaceae

What it is like

Cedrela fissilis, otherwise known as Cedro, is a fast-growing tree native to Central and South America known for its high quality timber. It is deciduous and grows up to 20 ? 50 m tall. Its crown is dense and round and its trunk can reach up to 100 cm in diameter. Presently, it is considered to be an endangered species due to overexploitation and habitat losses. Medicinally, it is used in the treatment of leucorrhoea, ulcers, sores, and orchitis. Common names: Argentine cedar, cedro batata, cedro blanco, and cedro colorado

Cedrela fissilis is a deciduous Tree growing to 25 m (82ft) by 20 m (65ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 25

Where it is found

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.

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

Conservation Status: Status: Endangered A1acd+2cd

Countries/locations it is found in

Coming Soon

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

The bark is astringent and emetic. It has 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.

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Emetic: Induces vomiting.

Skin: Plants used in miscellaneous treatments for the skin.

Other

Rating: 4

Other uses rating: High (4/5). 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.

Fuel: Usually wood, plant materials that have been mentioned as being a good fuel.

Pioneer: Plants, usually trees and shrubs, that can be used to reforest land.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

How it is grown

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.

Propagating it: 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.

Best place to grow:

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Cedrela fissilis, otherwise known as Cedro. Common names: Argentine cedar, cedro batata, cedro blanco, and cedro colorado

Synonyms

Cedrela barbata C.DC. Cedrela brasiliensis A.Juss. Cedrela brunellioides Rusby.Cedrela elliptica Riz