Spanish-cedar : Cedrela spp.

Abstract

From the earliest days of exploration and colonization in tropical America, Spanish-cedar has been one of the most important timber trees of the area. The wood became an article for the export trade during the 1800’s when the cigar industry demanded the use of Spanish-cedar for packing cigars. These fragrant boxes were commonplace before rising costs in the 1930’s finally forced the cigar industry to turn to paperboard or less expensive containers manufactured from soft native lumber. Spanish-cedar remains to this day as one of the most valued trees for local use in Latin America. In the areas of growth the tree and wood are generally referred to as cedro.

Citation

Kukachka, B. F. 1964. Spanish-cedar : Cedrela spp. Research note FPL no. 078. Madison, WI : USDA, Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory. 7 pages.