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Toona ciliata - Red Cedar
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Toona ciliata - Red Cedar
A large rainforest tree which was once common on the NSW north coast and southern Queensland coast, but was extensively logged for the prized timber which is good for cabinet making, as it is soft and easily worked with a beautiful red colour. Should only be planted in large parks and farms as it can grow from 40 to 60 metres tall, but is a beautiful tree, and one of the few deciduous Australian trees…the new spring leaf growth is red coloured and very attractive. In sheltered forested areas it will grow a straight trunk, but in a more open spot it grows shorter and more spreading, creating a good summer shade tree. Cedar tip moth can affect the new growth, and this too will lead to a smaller tree, often with several trunks if attacked early in its life. The bark is scaly and flowers are insignificant. The seeds are light and have papery wings which help them to fly on the breeze once the seed capsules open in summer. Likes well drained soil with regular water, and plenty of organic matter will see the tree thrive.