Cedrus deodara, A Himalayan Cedar: Distribution, Community Structure and Climate Change Responses
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55863/ijees.2026.0956Keywords:
C. deodara, Distribution, Himalaya, Monsoon shadow, Phenology, PrecipitationAbstract
Cedrus deodara (deodar), a true cedar, is a key conifer of the western Himalaya with considerable potential as a plantation species. This preliminary synthesis integrates published literature and repeated field observations to examine the distribution, ecology, phenology, biomass allocation, and growth dynamics of C. deodara. The species is predominantly gregarious, forming extensive pure stands, although mixed forests are also common. It is found in both outer ranges exposed to the monsoon and inner dry ranges shielded from monsoonal influence. In dry areas, P. wallichiana is a frequent associate, while in outer moist ranges, Quercus floribunda commonly co-occurs. Radial growth rates are significantly higher in the outer Himalayan ranges compared to the inner ranges. C. deodara exhibits pronounced shoot dimorphism, with needles borne on both short and elongated shoots. Soil nutrient availability and organic carbon content increase with forest age. Gender expression is highly variable, ranging from monoecious to dioecious individuals. New shoots emerge during the pre-monsoon period (April–May), followed by gradual leaf shedding. Seeds germinate in the pre-monsoon but rapidly lose viability due to high oil content; seed production may begin at approximately 28 years in plantations. Biomass allocation studies indicate a high proportion of bole biomass (approximately 91%) compared to P. roxburghii (approximately 76%). Due to distinct annual rings, long life spans, and other characteristics, C. deodara is frequently utilized in climate change research. Tree-ring analyses indicate that growth is primarily controlled by pre-monsoon moisture at lower elevations and by temperature at higher, colder sites.
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