Economic and other uses . Words and photos: Rowan Reid. Toona ciliata is a deciduous Tree growing to 30 m (98ft) by 30 m (98ft) at a fast rate. Outline of the interrelating events involved in shootborer infestation of Meliaceae species 2 Figure 2. It is also drought tolerant. Figures Figure 1. australis) ... as the young Red Cedar requires quite specific conditions in which to grow. Toona ciliata reproduces by seed. The timber is easy to work and very highly valued. Toona sinensis is a deciduous Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a fast rate. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Toona ciliata is widely planted as a shade tree and for timber because it is fast-growing. Above: Measuring the girth of a red cedar in the Albury Botanical Gardens iat over a metre in diameter. Australian Red Cedar (called also Toona ciliata, Suren or Indian Mahogany), Toona ciliata is a forest tree in the family Meliaceae which grows throughout southern Asia from Afghanistan to Papua New Guinea and Australia. It is a prolific seed producers and establishes readily. The highly prized Australian Red Cedar (Toona ciliata var. It is hardy to zone (UK) 10. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. The genus Toona is composed of only a few species, but phenotypic plasticity and genetic variation are responsible for much of the taxonomic complexity reflected in the literature. It is in flower in July. Australia's native Red Cedar, Toona ciliata, towers above pretty much everything else in the lowland rainforests.It can reach 60 m in height with a massive girth of 3m. Environmental and other impacts. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It is hardy to zone (UK) 5 and is not frost tender. Efforts to plant Toona ciliata and exotic species of Meliaceae in Australia 30 Current information and research in Australia on Hypsipyla robusta and Toona ciliata 31 vii. In Australia its natural habitat is now extensively cleared subtropical rainforests of New South Wales and Queensland. You would be lucky to spot one these days. The dark environment of a Rainforest provides these perfect conditions. Suitable pH: acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. The flowers are pollinated by Bees, Moths.