Cedron

A genus of 14 species of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs, native to S and C America. Simaba cedron occurs in dry plains and along paths and hedges. It was first imported for medicinal use in Europe in the 1890s. The seeds contain anti-malarial quassinoids, as found in Picrasma excelsa (See, Jamaica Quassia) and Quassia amara (See, Bitterwood), which belong to the same family.

Small tree with a slender trunk and pinnate leaves, to 1m (3ft) long, divided into 20 or more narrowly elliptic leaflets. Dark yellow, slightly fragrant, 5-petaled flowers, with brown, hairy petals and purplish stames, are borne in panicles to 25cm (10in) long in summer, followed by ovoid fruits, to 4cm (1½in) long, each containing one seed.

Common Name:	Cedron
Botanical Name:	Simaba cedron syn. Quassia cedron
Genus:	Simaba
Family:	Simaroubaceae
Location:	C America to N Brazil.
Cultivation:	Well-drained soil in sun.
Propagation:	By seed sown when ripe; by hardwood cuttings at the end of the growing season.
Harvest:	Seeds are collected when ripe and powdered for use in infusions.
Height:	5-15m (15-50ft)
Width:	3-10m (10-30ft)
Hardiness:	Min. 15-18°C (59-64°F)
Parts Used:	Seeds
Properties:	An exceedingly bitter, tonic herb with a coconut-like aroma. It lowers fevers, reduces inflammation, and relaxes spasms.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for malaria or fevers; internally and externally for snakebite.
Bibliography:	Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pp 368-369