General Information :
- Red cedar is a fast-growing, large deciduous tree with a rounded, spreading, dense crown.
- Bark dark grey in color.
- Flowers honey scented small yellowish in color.
- Fruits are dark brown capsule with winged seeds at both ends.
- It is widely distributed in India
Habitat : Deep, rich loamy soil, and alluvial soils.
Soil : Occurs in red lateritic soils and dry sandy soils.
Soil pH : 5.5 and 7.5
Altitude :Up to 1500 m(MSL)
Rainfall :1100-4000 mm
Temperature : 37-47 deg c
Terrain : Plains and low lands
Tree Characteristics :
- Light demander and sensitive to Frost and drought.
Habit : Evergreen Tree
Natural Regeneration :
Naturally regenerates by seeds under favorable conditions.
Artificial Regeneration :
Propagated by direct sowing and Nursery raised seedlings.
Seed collection and Storage :
The seeds are collected during May - June
- The best time to collect seeds is when fruits turn yellow and a few start opening.
- One kg of fruits gives about 200 gm of clean seed.
- About 350 seeds weigh one gram.
- The germination capacity ranging from 50-80%.
Seed Treatment :
- No pre-sowing treatment is required.
Nursery Technique :
- The seeds are broadcasted on the raise mother bed in May-June.
- Beds are covered with thin layer of paddy straw and watered regularly.
- Germination starts within seven days.
- Two leaf stage seedlings are pricked out in poly bag.
- 6-8 months old nursery raised seedlings are fit for planting.
Plantation technique :
- Planting done on the onset of rains.
- Pit size adopted : 30 cm3 and 45 cm3
- Spacing adopted: 3 m x 3 m and 4 m x 4 m.
Care & Disease Control :
- Regular weeding and soil working are essential in young plantation.
- Thinning in well grown plantation is required in the 4th year onwards.
- Good drainage is necessary for optimum development of the seedlings.
Recommended Harvest :
- 10-15 years
- Approximately170-200 tons/ ha.
Major uses :
- Timber gives ornamental veneer, used for making furniture, house construction, ceilings, floors, boarding’s, panels, doors and window frames and musical instruments and pencils.
- It is popular for road side avenues.
Other uses :
The flowers contain a red colouring matter and also a sulphur-coloured dye.Cotton and woollen fabric can be dyed a dull yellow by mere immersion in a boiling extract of the flowers. Used in conjunction with safflower and turmeric, they produce a sulphur-yellow colour.The bark contains tannin. A fibre obtained from the bark has been used traditionally for twines and the manufacture of string bags.An aromatic oil can be extracted from the fruit
Market details :
- Approximately rs.3500 to Rs.3700/ton.