Spanish Cedar
Description/Overview: Spanish Cedar is a popular wood species for luxury humidors due to its unique properties that are essential for maintaining the quality of cigars. In this article, we will discuss the various aspects of Spanish Cedar wood that make it an excellent choice for cigar humidors. From its origin and scientific name to its color and grain properties, this article will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of this wood species.
Spanish Cedar, also known as Cedrela odorata, is a hardwood species that is native to Central and South America. It is a large tree that can grow up to 100 feet tall with a trunk diameter of up to 3 feet. Spanish Cedar wood is light in weight and has a low density, making it easy to work with.
Origin: Spanish Cedar is found in the tropical regions of Central and South America. It is commonly found in countries like Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, and Honduras.
Names: Spanish Cedar is also known as Cedrela odorata, and it is a member of the Meliaceae family.
Color: The heartwood of Spanish Cedar is a pale pink to reddish-brown color that darkens with age. The sapwood is lighter in color and is not always clearly defined from the heartwood. The wood has a distinctive aroma that is often described as spicy or cedar-like.
Properties: Spanish Cedar has a straight to slightly interlocked grain that gives it a uniform and smooth texture. It has a fine and even texture, which makes it easy to work with. The wood is also relatively stable, which means that it is less likely to warp or twist.
Additional Info: One of the unique properties of Spanish Cedar wood is that it is resistant to insect infestations, particularly the tobacco beetle. This makes it an ideal wood species for cigar humidors, as it helps to keep the cigars safe from insect damage. Spanish Cedar wood also has natural oils and resins that make it resistant to decay and moisture damage.
In addition to its use in cigar humidors, Spanish Cedar wood is also used for a variety of other applications, including cabinetry, veneer, and boat building.
Fun Facts:
Spanish Cedar is not actually a cedar species, but rather a member of the Meliaceae family.
The wood is resistant to insect infestations, particularly the tobacco beetle.
The wood has a distinctive aroma that is often described as spicy or cedar-like.
Spanish Cedar is a popular choice for lining the interior of cigar humidors.
The wood is also used in the construction of musical instruments, particularly guitar necks.
The heartwood of Spanish Cedar is a pale pink to reddish-brown color that darkens with age.
The wood has a straight to slightly interlocked grain that gives it a uniform and smooth texture.
Spanish Cedar wood is relatively stable, which means that it is less likely to warp or twist.
The wood has natural oils and resins that make it resistant to decay and moisture damage.
Spanish Cedar is commonly found in Central and South America, particularly in countries like Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, and Honduras.