Chukrasia Tabularis, Jamaica Cedar - 0.5 kg Seeds

Chukrasia tabularis, the Chittagong Wood or Indian Mahogany (also marketed as Chikrassy or 'Jamaica cedar'), is a large, fast-growing deciduous tree of the mahogany family with a tall straight bole and a feathery crown of pinnate leaves that flush attractive reddish tints when young.

It is grown primarily for its handsome, reddish-brown, decoratively figured timber, used for high-quality furniture, panelling, cabinetwork and turnery; the bark and gum have minor tanning and medicinal uses, and it is also planted as an avenue and shade tree. It occurs naturally in the moist forests of north-east India, the sub-Himalayan tract and the Western Ghats and grows well on deep, moist, well-drained soils in warm subtropical to tropical climates.

• Family: Meliaceae
• Native region: North-east India, the Himalayan foothills and Southeast Asia
• Mature height: 20-30 m
• Growth rate: Fast

The small, winged seeds need no chemical pre-treatment but should be sown fresh. Surface-sow or barely cover them (a few millimetres) on a fine, moist, well-drained seedbed or tray kept lightly shaded; germination follows in about 14-21 days. Prick the seedlings into polybags when they have a couple of true leaves and transplant to the field during the rainy season once they are 25-40 cm tall.