Common name: Red cedar, Bastard sandel. Tamil Name: Sembulichan
Red cedar is a small native tree that grows to a height of about 4 meters. The assumes a bush-like shape, the bark is dark brown in color and branches are lenticulate. The simple leaves are arranged in an alternate manner; leaf margin is entire; the leafs are shinning glossy green in color. The leaves are obovate in shape with a cuneate bottom and rounded apex. The leaf stalk and leaf measure around 6-7 mm and 4.5 cm respectively. The inflorescence is in the form of a few flowering cyme. The flower stalk measurers around 2-3 mm; the flower across measurers around 5 mm. The flower has 10 stamens. The calyx measurers around 1 mm and is five teethed. The fruit is in the form of a one seeded drupe. The drupe is initially green in color and turns coral red on maturity. Red cedar plant is processed to extract essential oil-similar in aroma to that of sandalwood oil. The flowers are nectar-rich and attract both insects and birds. It can even be planted in small house gardens.
