Origin of Cedrela toona Roxb. ex Rottl. & Willd. var. australis (F. Muell.) C. DC.
Cedrela toona Roxb. ex Rottl. & Willd. var. australis (F. Muell.) C. DC., commonly known as the Australian red cedar, is a species of tree in the family Meliaceae. It is native to parts of south-eastern Asia and Australia, specifically from Myanmar to the Philippines, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Australia, particularly in Queensland and New South Wales.
Common Names of Cedrela toona Roxb. ex Rottl. & Willd. var. australis (F. Muell.) C. DC.
Australian red cedar is commonly known by several other names including Indian cedar, toon tree, toona, tooni, red toon, Philippine cedar, and Chinaberry. It is well-known for its timber, which is known as cedar, toon, and Indian mahogany.
Uses of Cedrela toona Roxb. ex Rottl. & Willd. var. australis (F. Muell.) C. DC.
Cedrela toona Roxb. ex Rottl. & Willd. var. australis (F. Muell.) C. DC. is a valuable timber tree with a wide range of uses. The wood is lightweight and easy to work with, making it ideal for use in furniture, cabinetry, and musical instruments. It is also used for construction, boat-building, and as a decorative veneer.
The tree has medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various ailments such as fever, dysentery, respiratory infections, and skin diseases. The bark and leaves are used to treat snake bites and scorpion stings.
The tree is also used for ornamental purposes because of its showy flowers and attractive foliage. It is often planted as an ornamental shade tree in parks and gardens.
General Appearance of Cedrela toona Roxb. ex Rottl. & Willd. var. australis (F. Muell.) C. DC.
Cedrela toona Roxb. ex Rottl. & Willd. var. australis (F. Muell.) C. DC. is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 45 meters in height and 2 meters in diameter. The tree has a straight trunk and a spreading crown. The bark is greyish-brown and fissured longitudinally.
The leaves are compound and have up to 16 leaflets that are ovate to oblong in shape. The leaflets are dark green and glossy on the upper surface, while the lower surface is paler and covered in fine hairs. The tree produces showy clusters of flowers that are white, pink, or lavender in color. The fruit is a capsule that contains numerous winged seeds.
Overall, Cedrela toona Roxb. ex Rottl. & Willd. var. australis (F. Muell.) C. DC. is a valuable tree that has a wide range of uses and is prized for its attractive appearance and medicinal properties.
Light Requirements
The Cedrela toona Roxb. ex Rottl. & Willd. var. australis (F. Muell.) C. DC. plant requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate moderate shade but will not thrive in full shade.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions and prefers temperatures between 60-85°F (15-30°C). It can tolerate some fluctuations in temperature, but extreme temperatures should be avoided.
Soil Requirements
The Cedrela toona Roxb. ex Rottl. & Willd. var. australis (F. Muell.) C. DC. plant grows best in well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level (6.0-7.5). It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the soil should not be compacted or waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Cedrela toona Roxb. ex Rottl. & Willd. var. australis (F. Muell.) C. DC., commonly known as Toona ciliata is a fast-growing tree that can thrive in various soil types, such as loamy, sandy, or clay soils. It prefers a well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. It can also tolerate partial shade, but full sun exposure is best for its growth and development. When planting, make sure to provide ample space for the tree's growth and expansion.Watering Needs
Toona ciliata requires regular watering to establish its root system. The watering frequency will depend on the soil type, weather conditions, and age of the tree. Young trees need frequent watering, especially during the summer season. However, once the tree has established, it can tolerate drought conditions. Overwatering can lead to waterlogging, which can cause root rot and other diseases. So, it is essential to avoid overwatering.Fertilization
Fertilization is essential to promote healthy growth and development of Toona ciliata. It is advisable to apply a high-nitrogen fertilizer during the early stages of growth. Later on, once the tree has matured, a balanced fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied. However, it is essential to avoid excessive fertilization, as it can lead to the accumulation of salts in the soil.Pruning
Pruning is essential to shape the tree, remove dead or damaged branches, and promote healthy growth. It is advisable to carry out pruning during the winter season when the tree is dormant. When pruning, make sure to use sterilized pruning tools to avoid the transfer of diseases from other plants. Avoid over-pruning as it can weaken the tree and make it susceptible to pests and diseases.Propagation of Cedrela toona Roxb. ex Rottl. & Willd. var. australis (F. Muell.) C. DC.
The propagation of Cedrela toona Roxb. ex Rottl. & Willd. var. australis (F. Muell.) C. DC. can be done through various methods:
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagation for Cedrela toona is through seeds. The seeds should be collected from mature trees during the season - from February to March. They should be soaked in water for 24 hours and then sown in pots or seed beds. Germination should occur within 7-14 days after sowing.
Cuttings propagation
The propagation of Cedrela toona can also be done through cuttings. Semi-hardwood cuttings can be taken from the current season’s growth, around 15-20 cm in length. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining potting medium. The cuttings should be watered regularly and kept in a warm, humid environment while they develop roots.
Air layering propagation
Another propagation method for Cedrela toona is air layering. A branch with a diameter of about 1-2 cm should be selected and a ring of bark removed. The area should be treated with rooting hormone and covered with moist sphagnum moss. After roots have formed, the branch can be cut and transplanted into a pot or directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Cedrela toona Roxb. ex Rottl. & Willd. var. australis (F. Muell.) C. DC.
Cedrela toona Roxb. ex Rottl. & Willd. var. australis (F. Muell.) C. DC., commonly known as Australian cedar or toon tree, is susceptible to a range of diseases and pests that can affect its growth and productivity. Proper management is necessary to maintain the health of the tree and ensure maximum yields.
Common Diseases
Leaf spots: leaf spot is caused by fungal pathogens and can lead to the defoliation of the tree. To manage leaf spots, avoid overhead irrigation and ensure proper drainage. Fungicides can also be used to prevent the spread of the disease.
Anthracnose: this disease is caused by a fungus and can cause the leaves and shoots to wither and die. To manage anthracnose, remove and destroy infected plant parts. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of the disease.
Root rot: root rot is caused by waterlogging and can lead to the death of the tree. To manage root rot, ensure proper drainage and avoid overwatering. Fungicides can also be used to prevent the spread of the disease.
Common Pests
Aphids: aphids are small insects that feed on the sap of the tree. They can cause stunted growth, leaf curling and yellowing. To manage aphids, prune and destroy infected plant parts and use insecticides to control their population.
Spider mites: spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. To manage spider mites, prune and destroy infected plant parts and use insecticides to prevent their spread.
Scale insects: scale insects are small, immobile pests that secrete a protective cover over their bodies. They can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage scale insects, prune and destroy infected plant parts and use insecticides to control their population.
In conclusion, proper disease and pest management is essential for the health and productivity of Cedrela toona Roxb. ex Rottl. & Willd. var. australis (F. Muell.) C. DC. Adequate measures such as proper irrigation, drainage, and pruning should be followed to avoid diseases and pests. If the tree becomes infected by a disease or a pest, control measures such as fungicides and insecticides can be used to prevent the spread of the disease.
