Red Cedar

 By Geoff Holloway

Red Cedar (Toona ciliate), one of the few deciduous native trees in Australia growing in the Tropical, sub-tropical and riverine rainforests of Queensland and New South Wales.

The largest current Red Cedar according to The National Register of Big Trees is 44metres high and 10,7 metres in circumference growing in the Lamington National Park near Binna Burra Qld.

I am sure there are many giant cedars in inaccessible forests yet to be discovered, surviving because of their location. The Rosewood scrub had many Red Cedars but because of the demand there is very few left. There is some magnificent furniture in Australia and around the world made from Australian Red Cedar and is still a highly desirable and valuable furniture and craft wood.

At 450kg/m3 the durable rich red heartwood is easy to machine, and an oil finish will highlight the striking grain patterns.