|
|
Forestry
Champion Trees
Deodar Cedar -
[Cedrus deodar (C. Don) G. Don]
True Cedars are members of the
Pine Family, Pinaceae and bear the genus name Cedrus. Handsome evergreen
trees that are native to the Himalayas, of the Syrian and Atlas mountains, and
of Cyprus, they are distinguished from other conifers (cone bearing) by the
peculiar arrangement of the evergreen leaves that manifest themselves in dense
clusters on short spur-like growths, encircling terminal shoots at irregular
intervals. The Deodar Cedar [Cedrus deodar (C. Don) G. Don],
in it's native India is capable of reaching a height of 200 feet and a girth of
30 to 35 feet. The genus name Cedrus is derived from the classical Greek word
kedros, meaning a cedar, and the species name deodar is form the
ancient Sanskrit word devadara, meaning tree of the gods. In Asia, the
wood of this tree was used to construct temples and it was used in the time of
the Egyptian Pharaohs for the construction of sarcophagi (coffins) for mummies.
These trees, favored by their
bluish-green needles, are marketed as Christmas trees in some areas of the
United States, and another industry known as Aromatherapy has developed, using
the wood for therapeutic purposes. Their graceful habit of growth makes them
desirable as specimen trees in landscape settings. The wood of the true cedars
is oily, sweet-scented and very durable. The wood of the Deodar Cedar is used
extensively in Asia for building purposes, for furniture and railroad ties. The
fragrance of the wood of all species of Cedars renders them practically safe
from insect attacks, and clothing stored in closets or chests made of this wood
are usually safe from moths. The wood is sometimes used for furniture and
paneling. Some of the other true Cedars that may be of interest to you are the
Lebanon Cedar, Atlas Cedar, and the Cyprian Cedar.
This majestic specimen tree, a Deodar Cedar, has
recently been named as an Arkansas Champion Tree. Though not a native of the
United States, this giant has been anchored in England, Arkansas for over 60
years and is the epitome of resiliency, thriving in spite of the past severe
ice storms. This magnificent conifer is located at 503 East Fordyce Street
(Highway 165) in England, Arkansas. Nominated as a Champion Tree by retired Monroe
County Extension Agent Reggie Talley, this tree stands 54 feet tall with a
crown spread of 68 feet. The circumference, measured at 4 feet 6 inches from
the ground, is a whopping 10 feet 4 inches with a (BI) Bigness Index of 195.
 By: Reggie Talley
Retired Monroe County Extension Agent
Back to Champion Trees
|
