Scientific name: Cedrela odorata

POWO Status: Tree

IUCN Red List threat level: Vulnerable

GPS Location: 17° 42′ ″ N, 64° 49′ ″ W

Medicinal Uses

Cedrela odorata (Spanish Cedar) is used in traditional medicine for fevers, malaria, diabetes, inflammation, and gastrointestinal issues, with bark infusions treating fever and diarrhea, leaf washes for headaches, and wood shavings in baths for skin problems. Its astringent, febrifuge, and antispasmodic properties help with colds, wounds, and pain, while scientific studies explore its potential anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic effects. 

Common Medicinal Uses (Traditional)

• Fever & Inflammation: Bark infusions and leaf washes are used to reduce fever and pain.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Remedies for diarrhea, indigestion, vomiting, and stomach ailments.
• Malaria: Bark decoctions are used in some regions to treat malaria.
• Skin Conditions: Wood shavings in sweat baths for skin eruptions, or bark for sores.
• Respiratory: Resin for bronchitis; leaf infusions for coughs/colds.
• Parasites: Seeds believed to expel worms (vermigugal).
• Other: Anti-epileptic, anti-allergic, and for wound healing. 

Scientific Findings

• Anti-inflammatory: Extracts show potential in reducing inflammation markers in skin cells.
• Anti-diabetic: Extracts have shown promise in managing blood sugar and cholesterol levels in studies. 

Preparations & Applications

• Infusions/Decoctions: Bark, leaves, or roots steeped in water.
• Washes/Baths: Bark/leaf washes for external application (headaches, skin) or wood shavings in sweat baths.
• Tinctures/Oils: Bark tincture for general ailments; seed oil for wound healing.

Observations:

Phenological Markers – Cigar Box Cedar (Cedrela odorata)

1. Leaf Behavior
C. odorata is deciduous, with a clear period of leaflessness during the dry season, typically from January to March in St. Croix.

• Leaves are pinnately compound, often 20–30 inches long, with numerous lance-shaped leaflets.
• New leaf flush typically occurs just after flowering, usually by April or May.

Observation Tips:

• Track timing and completeness of leaf drop—mature trees may lose leaves almost entirely.
• New leaf growth is soft, pale green, and emerges rapidly once rains begin.

2. Flowering
Produces panicles of small, white to pale greenish flowers, which are fragrant and rich in nectar.

• Flowering begins in late dry season (March–April) after or during leaf drop.
• The tree is monoecious, bearing male and female flowers on the same tree.
• Pollinated primarily by insects, especially bees.

Observation Tips:

• Look for clusters of tiny blooms along terminal branches.
• Note pollinator visits, especially on sunny mornings.
• Flowering often coincides with a largely bare canopy, improving visibility.

3. Fruiting
Fruits are woody capsules, about 1–2 inches long, that split into five parts, releasing winged seeds.

• Fruit development occurs over several months, with seed dispersal usually in late summer to early fall (August–October).
• Seeds are wind-dispersed and lightweight.

Observation Tips:

• Track fruit set, color change, and capsule dehiscence (splitting).
• Look for seed release during breezy conditions, often seen fluttering to the ground.

4. Seasonal Pattern (St. Croix)

• Jan–Mar: Full or near-full leaf drop
• Mar–Apr: Flowering
• Apr–May: New leaf flush
• Jun–Oct: Fruiting and seed dispersal
• Nov–Dec: Full canopy, slower activity