Toona spp.
toon
Overview
Toona is a genus of about four to six deciduous trees in the mahogany family, Meliaceae, ranging from the Indian subcontinent and South-East Asia through China to eastern Australia. Size varies widely across the genus: the Australian red cedar, T. ciliata, grows into a rainforest tree of 100-180 feet (30-55 m), while T. sinensis of China stays nearer 30-65 feet (9-20 m). All carry large pinnate leaves with many paired leaflets, flushing red or bronze on some species as they expand. Branched sprays of small white to cream flowers open in summer and carry a light fragrance. The reddish, scented timber of T. ciliata has long been logged for furniture and was once a major export from eastern Australia. The young leaves and shoots of T. sinensis are eaten as a vegetable in China, where the cultivar 'Flamingo' is grown for its bright pink spring growth. The genus is deciduous, dropping its leaves in the cool or dry season, and the larger species are too big for small gardens and can sucker from the roots.
Native Range
Native to the Old World tropics and subtropics, from India and Sri Lanka through South-East Asia and southern China to Papua New Guinea and the east coast of Australia.Suggested Uses
The smaller T. sinensis is grown as a shade and foliage tree and, in its coloured forms, for pink spring growth, as well as for its edible shoots. The larger T. ciliata is planted as a timber and parkland tree where space allows.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height30' - 180'
Width/Spread20' - 50'
Bloom Information
Small white to cream flowers open in summer in branched terminal sprays and carry a faint fragrance. They are followed by dry woody capsules that ripen in autumn and split to release winged seeds. Flowering begins only once trees are several years old.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to creamFoliage Description
green, red-tinted when youngGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Time to Maturity
10-20 years