Observations on red cedar and the tip moth

Summary

An account is given of the writer's involvement with the Australian red cedar (Toona ciliata), mainly during the 1950s and 60s, and its relationship with the tip moth Hypsipyla robusta. A record of some of the impacts of European settlement on the tree is presented, since its disastrous over-exploitation has resulted in its timber becoming a rare commodity. Past attempts to regenerate the tree are discussed and more recent investigations into the inter-relationships of the tree and the tip moth presented. The insect remains one of the major difficulties in regenerating the species. A silvicultural method, based on the results of these investigations, which minimises the effect of the insect's attack, is postulated for consideration.