How to Grow and Care for Toona

This deciduous tree originates in East Asia, and it grows widely in the northern and western regions of China. It sports outer bark that is gray to dark brown-colored with natural cracks, over inner bark that is pink-colored. Since chinese mahogany is deciduous, it loses its leaves in fall.

Red cedar is a medium to tall tree that is sometimes grown ornamentally. It is related to mahogany, and its wood has many of the same qualities, but it is more common, fast-growing, fast-reproducing, and drought-resistant, making it an excellent substitute for its endangered relative. It is used as a substitute for native-grown mahogany particularly in the USA. Worldwide, its wood is used to make musical instruments such as guitars, furniture, carvings, and wood paneling. It has also been used for shipbuilding. Despite its many uses it has escaped cultivation in some areas, and is considered invasive in parts of Africa.

The bright pink, flamingo-colored flowers of toona immediately sets it apart from its parent tree, which has white blossoms. This is a dwarf variety that grows to around half the size of its parent. It fits well into gardens as a specimen tree but should be placed far from patios and seating places since its leaves and flowers smell unpleasant.