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Botanical Name. — Cedrela, derived from Cedrus, the Cedar-tree of the 
ancients, whose timber was durable and had a very sweet smell; australis, Latin, 
southern (Australian). 
Vernacular Name. —Universally known as “ Bed Cedar,” the prefix being 
doubtless employed to distinguish it from “White Cedar ” ( Melia azedarach). 
Aboriginal Names. —Called “Polai ” and“Woolia” by the aborigines of 
Northern New South Wales ; “ Mumin ” or “ Mugurpul ” by those about Brisbane; 
and “ Woota ” by those about Wide Bay, Queensland. 
Synonym. —Bentham looks upon our Bed Cedar as identical with C. Toona, 
Boxb., the Toon of India. It should he observed, however, that Baron Mueller 
differs from Beni ham in considering the Australian “ Cedar ” specifically distinct 
from the “ Toon.” In any case the trees are so closely related that any property 
possessed by one is shared by the other. Casimir de Candolle agrees with Mueller 
in keeping our Bed Cedar distinct from the Indian tree. The section which 
includes the two trees is divided by de Candolle into (a) Ovarium glabrum, which 
includes australis, and (b) Ovarium cum columna hirsutum, which includes Toona. 
Nevertheless, australis forms an exception, with columna hirsuta. 
Harms (in Natilrl. Fjlanzen Familien) goes even further, separating the 
genus Toona from Cedrela. According to him— 
Cedrela has a long disk (columna) much exceeding the ovarium in length. Seeds winged only on 
the lower side. All species confined to America. 
Toona has a short columna, not exceeding the ovarium in length. Seeds winged on both sides or 
on the upper side only. All species confined to Asia and Australia. 
Thus we have :— 
Cedrela australis, F.v.M.— Toona australis, Harms. 
Cedrela Toona, Roxb.— Toona ciliata, Roem. 
Leaves. —Mr. Gamble states that the leaves of the Toon tree are used to 
feed cattle in India. 
Flowers. —The flowers of the Toon tree are dried, and are extensively used 
for the production of a red or yellow dye in India. Mr. Thomas Wardle, a well- 
known authority, says that the dye they produce for silk is £< very good.” On 
account of the competition of aniline dyes, Bed Cedar flowers, and almost every 
other indigenous vegetable product of New South Wales, are of no commercial 
importance whatever to the dyer. They are considered emmenagogue (Bymock). 
Fruit. —The fruit is an oval capsule, about 1 inch long, which soon opens 
and sheds its light, membranous seeds. Mr. Gamble says that those of the Indian 
tree run about 1,200 to the ounce. These seeds have always a remunerative value, 
but care should be taken to collect fully-ripe seeds from healthy, mature trees. The 
seeds should be kept dry, and preserved from insect pests, to which they are very 
