Barbados cedar is a deciduous tropical tree 60 to 90' tall with a stout trunk more than 3½' in diameter. The wood of spanish cedar has a strong aromatic odor. fruiting starts at 10 to 12 years. It has a large inflorescensce and bears small greenish-white flowers with glabous filaments. Spanish cedar is widely harvested for use as timber and has been appreciated since ancient times for its durability.The aromatic wood is also used for cigar boxes. It is resistant to insect attacks due to the presence of a volatile oil in the wood. In Suriname's traditional medicine, the bark of Spanish cedar is used against malaria, fever and rheumatism.