Deodar, Deodar cedar

Cedrus deodara

Physical Characteristics

Cedrus deodara is an evergreen Tree growing to 33 m (108ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from October to November, and the seeds ripen from October to December. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure. It cannot tolerate atmospheric pollution.

Distribution

E. Asia - Afghanistan to Nepal.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antidote Astringent Carminative Diaphoretic Diuretic Dysentery Skin TB Urinary The heartwood is carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic and expectorant[240, 272]. A decoction of the wood is used in the treatment of fevers, flatulence, pulmonary and urinary disorders, rheumatism, piles, kidney stones, insomnia, diabetes etc[240, 254]. It has been used as an antidote to snake bites[240, 243]. The plant yields a medicinal essential oil by distillation of the wood, it is used in the treatment of phthisis, bronchitis, blennorrhagia and skin eruptions[4, 158, 240]. A resin obtained from the wood is used externally to treat bruises, skin diseases and injuries to joints[272]. The bark is astringent. It has proved useful in the treatment of fevers, diarrhoea and dysentery[240, 243]. In Ayurvedic medicine the leaves are used in the treatment of tuberculosis[254]. An oil obtained from the seed is diaphoretic[272]. It is applied externally to treat skin diseases[272].

Known Hazards

None known