The cedar tree can reach up to 135 feet height and 7 feet diameter; its cylindrical trunk is long, straight or a bit twisted; its spreading branches produce a high and frondose crown. Its internal bark is reddish with pleasant scent. The cedar stands out among the most appreciated Brazilian woods for trading and export, but the cut of trees remains under regulation. Cedar wood is similar to the mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), but its texture is softer and thicker making possible the most diversified uses; it is very appreciated for housing refined wooden finishing, for wooden tubs manufacturer. In the popular medicine, and indigenous culture it is used as tonic, as an astringent, for fever, and treatment of wounds and ulcers. Cedar species are proper for public squares, parks and groves. It is also used to re-establish degraded ecosystems and recovery of lands close to rivers and water streams which are subject to floods.
