Meliaceae
Toona ciliata
Red Cedar
T
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
Toona ciliata is a large deciduous tree, typically growing 20-30 metres tall with a spreading crown. It features long compound leaves, often reddish-pink when new, and produces small, fragrant cream-coloured flowers in drooping panicles. The fruit are dark brown capsules that split open to release small, winged seeds.
Where it works in Kilifi
This tree thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained loamy soils. Due to its large mature size and aggressive, spreading superficial root system, it is best suited as a specimen tree, for shade, or in reforestation efforts, rather than in small gardens or near crops.
Growing notes
It is a fast-growing species, requiring regular watering during its establishment phase but becoming drought-tolerant once mature. It prefers warm, humid tropical and subtropical climates and is not frost-hardy. Young trees may need protection from direct sun and are susceptible to the cedar tip moth.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: worldagroforestry.org, catholic.org.au, plantsnap.com, earthone.io, researchgate.net, wikipedia.org. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.