Common Name | Tooni |
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Botanical Name | Toona ciliata |
Tooni, otherwise known as Mountain Cedar or Red Cedar is a vigorous deciduous tree in the Mahogany family that grows up to 35meters high. It is widely distributed throughout southern Asia, from Afganistan to Papua New Guinea and Australia. It is also known as Indian Mahogany.
Tooni is a plant of the moist to wet tropics and subtropics where it is found at elevations from 400 - 2,800 meters. The species has a wide range of traditional uses and is particularly valued for its timber which is gathered from the wild and also produced in plantations. It is also preferred as an ornamental tree, especially for its flowering display; a popular avenue tree planted along roadsides in Northern India. It also helps in soil binding in moderate slope terrains because of its spreading root system. Tooni is also a fodder species. Medicinally, the bark is used in the treatment of chronic wounds and dysentery. It also yields a resinous gum that is used by local traditional healers in treating ailments.