There are many species grown in both North and Central America under the category of Spanish Cedar. However the most important, Cedrela mexicana, grows in Central America. Under favorable conditions the tree will reach heights over 100 feet and diameters of 3 to 6 feet above the substantial buttresses. Along with its pleasant, familiar "cedar" scent, it has a straight, occasionally interlocked grain with very uneven texture. Spanish-cedar is one of only a few tropical species that are ring-porous. The heartwood varies from light to dark reddish brown, and the sapwood is pinkish to white. The texture is rather fine and uniform to coarse and uneven. The grain is not interlocked and the heartwood is characterized by a distinctive odor. The wood dries easily.

Used for many things including furniture, musical instruments, and cigar boxes, it is also well known for its stability and weathering qualities. This is the most popular wood for lining humidors. Historically it has been used almost exclusively for this purpose because, although it lends a fresh aroma to your humidor, the smell does not transfer to the cigars.

It's a great choice for projects outside, including exterior furniture and boat building. Just watch out for its tannin oils, which can cause problems during refinishing. Correct this with a damp cloth and acetone or lacquer thinner rubbed across milled boards. The wood is easy to work with hand and machine tools but somewhat difficult to bore cleanly. Easy to cut into veneer but with some tendency for wooly surfaces to occur; good nailing and gluing properties; stains and finishes well but gums and oils sometimes are a problem in polishing. Although Spanish-cedar is not high in strength, most other properties are similar to those of American mahogany.