Distribution: Cedrela
occurs from Mexico to Argentina and is found in all countries
except Chile. Trees make their best growth on rich, well-drained
humid sites but may also compete favorably on drier hillsides;
intolerant of water-logged locations.
General Characteristics: Under
favorable conditions will reach heights over 100 ft and
diameters 3 to 6 ft above the substantial buttresses. Straight
cylindrical boles clear for 40 to 60 ft. Heartwood pinkish
to reddish brown when freshly cut, becoming red to dark
brown, sometimes with a purplish tinge, after exposure;
sharply to rather poorly demarcated from the pinkish to
white sapwood. Texture is rather fine and uniform to coarse
and uneven; grain is usually straight, sometimes interlocked;
luster is medium to high and golden; a distinctive cedar
odor is usually well pronounced, some specimens with bitter
taste.
Weight: Basic specific gravity
(ovendry weight/green volume) very variable ranging from
0.30 to 0.60, averaging about 0.40; air-dry density ranges
from 23 to 47, averaging about 30 pcf.
Working Properties: Cedro
is easy to work with hand and machine tools but somewhat
difficult to bore cleanly. Easy to cut into veneer but
with some tendency for wooly surfaces to occur; good nailing
and gluing properties; stains and finishes well but gums
and oils sometimes are a problem in polishing.
Durability: Heartwood is
rated as durable but there is some variability with the
species; resistant to subterranean and dry-wood termites.
Low resistance to attack by marine borers. Wood has excellent
weathering characteristics.
Preservation: N/A
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