Himachal Pradesh – Deodar Cedar
Common Name: Himalayan Cedar
Local Name: Deodar (Hindi), Devadaru (Sanskrit)
Scientific Name: Cedrus deodara (Roxb. ex Lamb.) G. Don
Description: Deodar is a coniferous evergreen tree with a greyish brown bark, reaching more than 60 m in height and 10 m in girth. The leaves occur in tufts and are needle-shaped with sharply pointed apexes. The barrel-shaped female cones disintegrate and release winged seeds when they mature. The 4-6 cm long male cones shed their pollen during autumn.
Distribution: Deodar is native to Northwestern Himalayas and is found at altitudes of 1,500 to 3,200m from Kashmir to Garhwal in Northern India. The species is also found in Northern Pakistan, East Afghanistan, South Western Tibet, and Western Nepal.
Economic Importance: Deodar is the strongest Indian coniferous wood and is well-known for its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and insect-repellent properties. Due to its durability and rot-resistant character, Deodar is used as a construction material. The aromatic inner wood is used for making incense. The aromatic oil extracted from the wood alleviates fear, tension, and anger. The tree is considered sacred by the people residing in the Kumaon Hills and Kullu Valley of the Western Himalayas.