Cedrela odorata is the most commercially important and widely distributed species in the genus Cedrela. Known as Spanish cedar in English commerce, the aromatic wood is in high demand in the American tropics because it is naturally termite- and rot-resistant. An attractive, moderately lightweight wood (specific gravity 0.4), its primary use is in household articles used to store clothing. Cedro heartwood contains an aromatic and insect-repelling resin that is the source of its popular name, Spanish-cedar (it resembles the aroma of true cedars (Cedrus spp.) Cedro works easily and makes excellent plywood and veneer and would be more widely used if it could be successfully plantation grown. This plant is often used for honey production (beekeeping) and humidor construction. It is occasionally used for tops or veneers on some kinds of electric guitars. Cedar wood is a monoecious, deciduous, medium-sized to large tree usually growing 30 -40 metres tall, exceptionally to 50 metres. The straight, cylindrical bole can be 60 - 120cm in diameter and unbranched for 15 - 24 metres. It has buttresses that can extend 120 - 360cm up the tree. It is sometimes planted as an ornamental along roads and in parks. Large specimens have become scarce as a result of overexploitation, and therefore the tree has been listed as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
