Toona ciliata - Plant

Embrace the majestic allure of Vermi Organics' Toona ciliata Plant, a botanical masterpiece that graces gardens with its stately presence. Also known as Indian Red Cedar or Toon, this deciduous tree captivates with its elegant foliage and cultural significance. Join us on a journey through the intricate details of Toona ciliata, exploring its striking characteristics, care requirements, and the diverse ways it contributes to both horticulture and traditional practices.

About: Toona ciliata Plant, belonging to the mahogany family (Meliaceae), is a native tree of the Indian subcontinent. Recognized for its towering height and distinct reddish-brown bark, Toona has been cherished for centuries for its timber and medicinal properties. The tree's compound leaves and panicles of small flowers add to its botanical splendor, making it a sought-after choice for both landscape design and cultural significance.

Benefits: Indulge in the many benefits Toona ciliata Plant brings to your green spaces:

• Timber Production: Valued for its durable and termite-resistant wood, Toona is a source of high-quality timber used in furniture and construction.
• Medicinal Properties: Various parts of the tree are utilized in traditional medicine for their potential anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
• Aesthetic Appeal: The graceful foliage and attractive bark make Toona a striking ornamental tree, enhancing the visual appeal of parks, gardens, and avenues.

Type of Plant (Indoor or Outdoor): Toona ciliata is predominantly an outdoor tree, thriving in open spaces where it can develop its expansive canopy. Due to its towering height and size, it is not suitable for indoor cultivation. Plant it in well-spaced areas in gardens, parks, or along avenues to allow for its grandeur to unfold.

Care: Nurturing the grandeur of Toona ciliata requires attention to specific care guidelines:

• Sunlight: Flourishes in full sunlight, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Soil: Well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal. Provide organic mulch to retain soil moisture.
• Watering: Maintain regular watering, especially during dry periods, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.
• Pruning: Conduct minimal pruning to shape the tree and remove dead or damaged branches. Heavy pruning is generally not required.
• Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in the growing season to support healthy growth.

Common Names: Toona ciliata is known by various common names that reflect its cultural significance and distinctive features. Indian Red Cedar, Toon, Mahogany, and Red Toon are some of the commonly used names.

Specifications:

• Botanical Name: Toona ciliata
• Family: Meliaceae
• Height: Can grow up to 30 meters or more in favorable conditions.
• Leaves: Pinnate compound leaves with 10-20 leaflets, giving the tree a feathery appearance.
• Bark: Reddish-brown and fissured, adding to the tree's aesthetic appeal.
• Flowers: Small, fragrant flowers arranged in panicles.
• Fruits: Capsules containing winged seeds.
• Growth Rate: Moderate to fast, depending on soil and climatic conditions.

Special Features: Toona ciliata boasts unique features that distinguish it in the botanical landscape:

• Reddish-Brown Bark: The distinctive color and texture of the bark contribute to the tree's ornamental value.
• Feathery Foliage: The pinnate compound leaves create a lush and feathery canopy, providing shade and visual interest.
• Fragrant Flowers: The small, fragrant flowers attract pollinators, contributing to biodiversity.

Uses:

1. Timber Production: Toona ciliata is a valuable timber tree, producing durable and termite-resistant wood used in furniture, construction, and boat building.
2. Ornamental Planting: Planted in parks, gardens, and along avenues for its aesthetic appeal, providing shade and visual interest.
3. Medicinal Purposes: Various parts of the tree, including the bark and leaves, are used in traditional medicine for their potential health benefits.
4. Cultural Significance: Toona holds cultural significance in various regions, with its wood often used in religious ceremonies and traditional practices.