Bwa-yo - Société Audubon Haiti

64 Sid
The species is not demanding of soil nutrients, tolerating soils high in calcium,
though exacting in its soil physical requirements. The species is shallow-rooted and
requires good soil aeration. It prefers sites where the upper root system remains in dry
soil ("ankles dry") with the major roots near saturated conditions ("feet wet").
Holdridge (1943) recommended only 11 trees ha- I in its native range, presumably to
avoid Hypsipyla grandella (shoot borer moth). Trees prefer sheltered conditions and
limited exposure to severe drought. The difficulty in establishing the tree is exacerbated
by deteriorating site conditions and the genetic quality ofthe existing population.
Tree Characteristics: Mature trees in Haiti have been measured up to 65 cm in stem
diameter and 25 m in height. The average size of trees being cut for saw timber range
from 15-20 m tall with stem diameters 25--40 cm . The trunk is average length, ranging
from 4 m and extending up to 13 m for superior trees. The spreading crown averages
7-8 m in diameter with a crown diameter:DBH ratio of 19.4 (sd 3.62).
The species flowers during the late summer and bears fruit during the winter from
October to March. Trees in higher elevations have been observed to bear later than those
in lower elevations. The species is monoecious and yields seed in isolation, with an
occasional seed lot suffering from a high degree of albinism. Albino seedlings eventually
die in the nursery. The tree bears seed for the first time at about 15 years
(Lamprecht, 1989). There are 40,000-55,000 seed kg-I.
The natural quality of Spanish cedar wood is known to be variable according to age
and growing conditions of individual trees (Record and Hess, 1943). Rapidly-grown or
young wood is reported to be less fragrant, lighter in color, and tougher than the denser,
pungent-odored timber of old or slowly-grown trees. The heartwood is· pinkish to reddish
brown, becoming richer in color upon exposure, and sometimes poorly distinguished
from the pinkish to white sapwood. The grain is usually straight, with a texture
that ranges from fine and uniform to coarse and uneven. The distinctive cedar-like odor
is usually pronounced. The average specific gravity ranges from 0.42-0.64, depending
upon location, site, age of tree, and rapidity of growth. C. odorata is moderately
durable, being resistant to dry-wood and subterranean termites, but not to marine borers.
It is occasionally infested with pinhole borers. It has excellent weathering properties
without the protection ofpaint (Longwood, 1962).
Utilization: Spanish cedar is a premier timber for furniture, decorative veneer, musical
instruments, wooden novelties and doors. The scent ofthe wood is used for storage containers,
such as jewelry boxes, wardrobes and cigar boxes. The wood is reported to protect
against insects such as moths. Because ofthe scarcity ofthe wood in Port-au-Prince,
such storage containers usually are built from mahogany and lined with thinner sheets
of Spanish cedar for the scent. Coffins made of the wood demand a premium price, as
they are reputed to protect against theft ofzombi (dead souls).
The tree is used for shade and windbreak in courtyard gardens and coffee groves
(Fig. 8.2). Branches are used as live fence material and as a source of fuelwood. The
flowers are visited by bees as a source ofnectar for honey production. The tree provides
many ingredients as a medicinal plant (Ayensu, 1981). The root bark is used to reduce
fever and pain, the trunk bark is harvested to prepare a decoction for inducing abortions,
and the seeds are believed to have vermifugal properties (Fig. 8.3). Protection against