Family: Meliaceae

The six species in this genus occur naturally from Southeast Asia through to northern Australia. They are important timber trees, although they are also grown as ornamental, shade trees. Some suit the home garden as spec­imen trees while others are suitable only for parks and very large gardens.

Species

T. ciliata (Synonym: T. australis), Australian red cedar, zone 9-10, is a large, deciduous tree native to Queensland and northern New South Wales. Growing to 40 m (130 ft) in its habitat, this tree was logged almost to extinction for its magnificent timber in earlier tines. In cultivation, it is unlikely to exceed 20 m (65 ft). Its long, pinnate leaves have leaflets that are 8-10 cm (3-4 in) long. Small, white or pink flowers are produced in spring.

T. sinensis (Synonym: Cedrela sinensis), Chinese cedar, zone 6, is a beautiful, decidu­ous tree, 10-12 m (33-40 ft) high, often planted as a feature so that its lovely spring foliage can be seen to advantage. The new, spring foliage is a strong pink, gradually maturing in late spring to its summer green. The autumn colour is orange-yellow. The scented, white, summer flowers are borne in pendulous sprays to 25 cm (10 in) long.

Cultivation

These trees should be grown in deep, humus-rich soil that drains well. Best grown in sun, they will tolerate shade for part of the day. they need a plentiful water supply during the growing season, and mulching the root area with organic material is most benefi­cial. Propagation is from seed.

Climate

There are species suited to various climatic zones.