Cedrus deodara

Cedrus deodara (also known as Deodar Cedar, Himalayan Cedar, or Deodar) is a species of cedar native to the western Himalayas in eastern Afghanistan, northern Pakistan, northern India, southwesternmost Tibet and western Nepal, occurring at 1,500–3,200 m (4,921–10,499 ft) altitude. It is a large evergreen coniferous tree reaching 40–50 m (131–164 ft) tall, exceptionally 60 m (197 ft) with a trunk up to 3 m (9.8 ft) in diameter. It has a conic crown with level branches and drooping branchlets.

Description

The leaves are needle-like, mostly 2.5–5 cm (0.98–1.97 in) long, occasionally up to 7 cm (2.8 in) long, slender (1 mm thick), borne singly on long shoots, and in dense clusters of 20–30 on short shoots; they vary from bright green to glaucous blue-green in colour. The female cones are barrel-shaped, 7–13 cm (2.8–5.1 in) long and 5–9 cm (2.0–3.5 in) broad, and disintegrate when mature (in 12 months) to release the winged seeds. The male cones are 4–6 cm (1.6–2.4 in) long, and shed their pollen in autumn.

Cultivation and uses

In its native range, Cedrus deodara is widely used for timber. Its wood is fragrant, durable, and resistant to decay, which makes it suitable for construction and carpentry, especially in the production of doors, windows, furniture, and other woodwork. The tree has been introduced to other temperate zones around the world, and is often planted in parks and large gardens for its ornamental value. The tree is also considered sacred in Hinduism, and is used in traditional Indian medicine.

Conservation

Despite its wide distribution and cultivation, Cedrus deodara is listed as a near threatened species by the IUCN Red List. The main threats to the species are habitat loss due to deforestation and over-exploitation for timber.

References

• Flora of China Editorial Committee. 1999. Flora of China 4: 1–453. Science Press & Missouri Botanical Garden Press, Beijing & St. Louis.
• Farjon, A. 1990. Pinaceae. Drawings and Descriptions of the Genera. Koeltz Scientific Books ISBN 3-87429-298-3.

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