The Australian Red Cedar (Toona australis) is renowned for its red, soft, light, durable timber which is used for furniture, cabinet work and interior decoration. Formerly they were widespread in subtropical rainforests in NSW and QLD, however few are left in the wild today. This particular specimen had developed trunk buttressing which is characteristic of many rainforest trees. Before you move on, look up to see a rainforest epiphyte, the Kind Orchid (Dendrobium speciosum) attached to the Red Cedar.
"Hi, my name’s Tony, I’m a Red Cedar. Oh wait, I shouldn’t have said that you’re not a cedar-cutter, are you? Are you here to turn me in, to turn me into a table?”
Transcript
The Australian Red Cedar tree: "Hi, my name’s Tony, I’m a Red Cedar. Oh wait, I shouldn’t have said that you’re not a cedar-cutter, are you? Are you here to turn me in, to turn me into a table? Most of my family have already been chopped down and turned into tables and cabinets, sometimes I wish I was a different tree. They actually used to call me red gold, because my wood is SO perfect for making things but that is bad for me. More and more people will come and chop down the red cedars. All my friends like who I am, they think I am special but that is why I get chopped down. To make it even worse I have a King Orchid attached to me, well it is pretty cool. But still!!!
Oh, by the way did you know that in 1802 they made a rule about no cutting us? That only lasted a bit, augh. You know what I hate? Moths! Yes, moths. They attack me and also, they lay eggs in me. Gross! Ahhh, there’s a moth, where’s the bug spray!"
