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CENTRAL AMERICAN CEDAR |
V. Ryan © 2008 |
Similar to the softer species of Mahogany and often used as an
inexpensive Mahogany substitute. Sometimes known as Aromatic or Cigar Box
Cedar and has a very a pleasant cedar fragrance. A superior timber to
Brazilian Cedar. FSC Certified. Cedrela odorata Family: Meliaceae Distribution: Cedrela odorata is distributed throughout Central America including, Guatemala, Honduras, and Belize. It also grows in Trinidad, Dominica and other Caribbean islands. |
General Characteristics: The timber from this
species can be variable and wood from young (fast grown) trees is lighter
in colour and softer, although tougher than that from older trees. The
more slowly grown, dense and scented timber is more commercial. The
heartwood is pinkish to reddish-brown when freshly cut but becomes red or
dark reddish- brown after exposure. The sapwood is greyish-white or
pinkish and normally well defined from the heartwood. Supplies of the
timber can exude oil which appears as a sticky gum on surfaces and this
can be a problem when finishing. The grain is straight with the texture
being medium, with darker-coloured material often having a more coarser
texture. One of the main characteristics of this timber is its quite
pronounced 'cedar-like' scent. In general it can sometimes resemble
lighter types of Central American Mahogany which are from the same family. |
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