Spanish Cedar -The fragrant tree hides the cigars and sends away the evil spirits-

Botanical name: Cedrela odorata (Meliaceae)

The Spanish Cedar is a magnificent and noble rainforest tree. However the tree is neither from Spain nor a Cedar. Spanish Cedar and Mahogany belong to the same tree family. The wood is highly valued and is used to make furniture and musical instruments. The best and the finest cigar boxes are made from this particular wood! The aroma of Spanish Cedar is similar to cedar wood scent and is preserved a long time in the article it’s been used to make. The Spanish name “Cedro Cebolla” (Onion Cedar) actually comes from the strong fragrance that sometimes resembles the onion. The South Americans believe the tree to retain a power for keeping the evil spirits away.

THE FLOWERS AND THE FRUIT

The great Spanish Cedar can grow up to 35 m (115 ft) tall and reach a trunk diameter of 80 cm (2.6ft). The straight trunk is cylindrical and unbranched, except at the top. Spanish Cedar bears fruit from December to May, and the flowers are almost unnoticeable. The fruits are 2-5 cm (1-2 inch) long, nutlike capsules. When the fruit are ripe, they open up and transform into beautiful wooden flowers at the branch heads, releasing the wing like seeds to the wind. The open capsules are used as decorations in flower arrangements.

TREE HEALS TENDERLY

Spanish Cedar gives outstanding gifts for natural medicine. The roots and the bark are used to make medicinal tea to reduce fever, clear the lungs from mucus and to cure stomachache. Tea made from the seeds kills parasites. The Spanish Cedar leaf bath relieves muscular pain and helps when you catch a cold.