135 



The Cedar Group. 



1. Cedrela australis (Eed Cedar). 



3. Dysoxylum, {Dysoxylon) Fraseranum (Rosewood). 



3. Dysoxylum (Dysoxylon) Muelleri (Red Bean). 



4. Owenia cepiodora (Onion Wood). 



5. Melia Azedarach (White Cedar). 



Cedreda australis, P.v.M. 



TiiF Red Cedar. 



Botanical Name. — Cedrela, derived from. Gedrus, the Cedar-tree of the 

 ancients, whose timber was durable and had a very sweet smell; australis, 

 Latin, southern (Australian). 



Vernacular Name. — Universally known in Australia as " Red Cedar," the 

 prefix being doubtless employed to distinguish it from " White Cedar " 

 ■(_Melia azedarach). 



Synonym. — Bentham looks upon our Red Cedar as identical with C. 

 Toona, Roxb., the Toon of India. It should be observed, however, that Baron 

 Mueller differs from Bentham in considering the Australia'^ " Cedar '' 

 specifically distinct from the " Toon." In any case the trees are so closely 

 related that any property possessed by one is sharer'' ' ,,' the other. Casimir 

 de Candolle agrees with Mueller in keeping our -ll^u Cedar distinct from 

 the Indian tree. 



Fruit. — The fruit is an oval capsule, about 1 incl. Jong,- which soon opens 

 i\nd sheds its light, membranous seeds. Mr. Gamble ' ijs that those of the 

 Indian tree run about 1,200 to the ounce. These setv^ have always a remu- 

 nerative value, but care should be taken to collect •■ . lly-ripe seeds from 

 healthy, mature trees. The seeds should be kept d' and preserved from 

 insect pests, to which they are very liable. The collet i; on of seeds of useful 

 an|d ornamental Australian plants is one of those minor industries which 

 fire usually neglected, and I will always assist collectors in making them 

 true to name. 



Bark. — The outer bark is scaly, and in drying falls off, leaving an almost 

 smooth surface of reddish-brown colour. It is moderately fibrous, arid will 

 tear into layers if some force be used. 



Timher. — But the value of a Eed Cedar lies in its timber, for it is without 

 doubt the most valuable timber produced in New South Wales, and it is in 

 iiniversal use. It is equal to mahogany, to. which it bears a good deal of 



