Toona ciliata M. Roem.
Vernacular name: Toon, Red Cedar, Australian Red Cedar
Species Name: Toona ciliata M. Roem.
Family: Meliaceae
Habit: Large deciduous tree (20-40 m)
Stem: Straight cylindrical bole; pale brown smooth bark exfoliating in patches
Leaf: Pinnate; 12-20 pairs of leaflets; pinkish when young
Flowering: January-April
Flowers: Large terminal panicle; bisexual white-pink fragrant; 5 sepals, 5 petals, 10 stamens
Fruit: Oval woody capsule; numerous winged seeds
Uses:
- Bark decoction has astringent property and helps in treatment of diarrhea, dysentery and heal wounds.
- Flowers are used as emmenagogue and to reduce fever in traditional practices.
- Leaves poultice are used to heal wounds and soothe and treat various skin diseases and boils owing to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
- Toon also acts as an aphrodisiac and cardiac tonic.
- Timber is lightweighted, durable and has rich coloured. It is used as “Indian Mahogany” substitute to manufacture cabinets, interior panelling, boats, decorative veneers and both traditional and modern musical instruments like guitars, sitars and drums.
- Flowers are used to extract a yellow or red dye that is used in textile industry to colour silk, wool and cotton. Bark is used in leather industry for tannins.
- Toon is a sacred Hindu plant, planted as ornamental shade or avenue tree.
- Hypsipyla robusta is a shoot borer pest of Toon.
