Cedrela Odorata (Bitter Mahogany)

Bitter cedar (Cedrela odorata) or Cedro amargo. Reaching up to 40m in height and 1.50m in diameter, bitter cedar is one of the best woods in Costa Rica. It is also classified as a precious wood. Indeed, it is highly sought after for the manufacture of coffered ceilings, parquet floors, cladding, veneers, beams, doors, window frames and doors/of jewelry boxes, cigar boxes, matches, chests, trunks, billiard tables/parts of seagoing vessels and for shipbuilding/furniture and decorations/precision tools/sporting goods/musical instruments (particularly guitars). Bitter cedar is not only apprehensive for its attractive appearance but also because it has a high natural resistance to insect and termite attack due to its bitter smell and taste. It is a wood with straight fibers, easy to work and dry, which manages to give excellent finishes. You should know that it is widely used in Europe for the construction of luxury houses.