White Cedar

Basic Information

Common Name: White Cedar
Scientific Name: Tetragastris altissima
Native Habitat: Primarily found in tropical South America, including countries like Guyana, Brazil, Venezuela, Suriname, and French Guiana. It thrives in humid rainforests and evergreen forests, often in lowland areas.

History / Discovery / Cultivator

Tetragastris altissima, commonly known as White Cedar or sometimes Pitchwood due to its resinous sap, is a prominent tree within the South American rainforests. Its formal scientific description dates back to the late 18th century, a period when European botanists were actively exploring and documenting the vast biodiversity of the New World. The species was first described by the pioneering French botanist Jean Baptiste Christophore Fusée Aublet in 1775, based on specimens collected during his extensive travels in French Guiana. Aublet’s work, particularly his publication “Histoire des plantes de la Guiane Françoise,” was foundational in cataloging the flora of the Guianan region, and Tetragastris altissima was one of the many species he introduced to Western science.While the plant was formally classified by Aublet, its existence and utility were well-known to the indigenous peoples of its native range long before any European discovery. Various parts of the tree, particularly the fragrant resin, have been traditionally used for numerous purposes. The resin, often called “pitch,” was used for medicinal purposes, as an incense, for waterproofing, and sometimes as a sealant or adhesive. This traditional knowledge highlights a long history of interaction and utilization by local communities, forming a crucial, though often less documented, part of the plant’s history.Botanically, Tetragastris altissima belongs to the family Burseraceae, a group known for its resin-producing trees, including frankincense and myrrh. This familial connection hints at the potential chemical properties and traditional uses of the Tetragastris genus. Over the centuries since Aublet’s initial description, the tree has been studied primarily within the context of botanical surveys, ecological research focusing on rainforest ecosystems, and ethnobotanical studies documenting indigenous uses. It is not a plant that has seen widespread horticultural cultivation, especially not as a common ornamental or houseplant, largely remaining a species of the wild forest.Unlike many popular ornamental plants with histories tied to specific breeders or plant hunters who introduced them to gardens, the history of Tetragastris altissima is more closely linked to its ecological role and traditional uses within its native habitat and the academic efforts of botanists documenting global flora. There is no single cultivator credited with popularizing it in Western horticulture. Its significance lies more in its contribution to the biodiversity and ecological structure of neotropical forests and its historical importance to the cultures that have coexisted with it for millennia. Modern interest in the plant sometimes arises in the context of sustainable forestry, the potential of its resin for commercial applications, or botanical conservation efforts aimed at protecting rainforest ecosystems where it naturally occurs.

Plant Care Summary

Category	General Requirement	Notes
Light	Bright, indirect	Thrives under the canopy in its native habitat; avoid direct, harsh sun.
Water	Consistently moist	Needs regular watering, but avoid waterlogging; allow surface to dry slightly between waterings.
Humidity	High	Requires significant atmospheric moisture, typical of rainforest understory.
Temp. Range	Warm (20-30°C)	Prefers consistently warm temperatures; sensitive to cold drafts and freezing.
Soil Type	Well-draining, rich	Needs a fertile, loamy soil mix that retains moisture but drains freely.
Fertilizer	Moderate	Feed during the growing season (spring/summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Toxicity	Data limited	Specific toxicity data for Tetragastris altissima is not widely available; related Burseraceae species may have varying levels of toxicity.

Botanical Insights

Adaptations

Tetragastris altissima has developed adaptations to thrive in the competitive environment of tropical rainforests. Its ability to grow to considerable heights (up to 30 meters or more) allows it to compete for light, eventually breaking through the understory to reach the canopy or sub-canopy layer. Like many trees in nutrient-poor tropical soils, it likely relies on mycorrhizal fungi relationships to enhance nutrient uptake. The production of copious, fragrant resin serves multiple potential functions: it may deter herbivores and insects, provide a defense mechanism against fungal or bacterial infections, and potentially play a role in water transport within the xylem. The structure of its leaves and bark would also be adapted to the high humidity and rainfall of its environment.

Propagation Methods

Propagation of Tetragastris altissima primarily occurs naturally through seed dispersal. In cultivation or for research purposes, seed propagation is the most likely method, though the viability and germination requirements of tropical tree seeds can be complex and often require specific conditions (e.g., scarification, specific temperature/humidity regimes). Vegetative propagation methods such as cuttings are less commonly reported or established for mature forest trees like this compared to many horticultural species, but may be attempted with varying success, particularly using younger, more succulent stem material under controlled conditions with rooting hormones. Air layering might also be a possible, though more labor-intensive, method for vegetative reproduction of specific specimens.

Toxicology

Specific, scientifically verified data regarding the toxicity of Tetragastris altissima to humans or common household pets (cats, dogs) is not readily available in standard toxicological databases. While some members of the Burseraceae family have non-toxic or medicinally used resins (like frankincense and myrrh), others within the plant kingdom contain irritating or toxic compounds. Without specific studies on Tetragastris altissima, its ingestion risk remains uncertain. It is generally advisable to exercise caution with any plant if its toxicity is unknown, keeping it out of reach of children and pets, and consulting a medical or veterinary professional immediately if ingestion occurs and adverse symptoms are observed. Based on its resinous nature, potential irritation from contact with sap is a possibility, though specific data is lacking.

Common Problems

Pests:

• Wood-boring insects (common for many forest trees)
• Scale insects (can affect various tree species)
• Certain caterpillars or leaf-chewing insects (specific species depend on geographic location)

Diseases:

• Fungal leaf spots (common in high humidity environments)
• Root rot (if soil is poorly drained)
• Stem cankers (potential vulnerability for trees under stress)

Other:

• Leaf yellowing (often indicates nutrient deficiency or overwatering)
• Browning leaf tips/edges (can signal low humidity or inconsistent watering)
• Slow or stunted growth (may be due to inadequate light, nutrients, or root restriction)

Rarity & Value

Rarity:

Within its native range, Tetragastris altissima is generally considered common in suitable forest types, forming a component of the regional biodiversity. It is not typically listed as endangered or vulnerable by major conservation bodies, although specific local populations might be affected by deforestation. Its ‘rarity’ in a global context primarily stems from its limited geographical distribution to the Guianan Shield and Amazon basin, and its lack of widespread cultivation outside this region. It is not a plant you would typically find in standard nurseries or garden centers, making it rare in horticultural trade outside its native area.

Value:

The value of Tetragastris altissima is multifaceted rather than solely based on ornamental appeal or collector status. Its primary economic value, historically and potentially currently, lies in its resin and timber. The resin has potential uses in traditional medicine, incense, or industrial applications. The wood may be used locally, although it is not one of the globally traded high-value timbers like mahogany. Ecologically, its value is significant as a native tree supporting rainforest ecosystems, providing habitat and potentially food sources for wildlife. For botanists and researchers, its value lies in its contribution to biodiversity and the potential for studying its unique chemical compounds (particularly in the resin) or ecological interactions. Horticultural value is currently minimal due to lack of cultivation.