The correct spelling of the word "incense cedar" is /ˈɪnsens ˈsiːdər/. The first part, "incense," is spelled with an "i" instead of an "e" because it comes from the Latin word "incensum." The second part, "cedar," follows standard English spelling. The word refers to a species of cedar tree that has a pleasant, aromatic scent when burned. Its wood is often used for making chests, closets, and other items where a pleasant scent is desirable.
Incense cedar, scientifically known as Calocedrus decurrens, is a tall, evergreen tree native to North America. It is part of the cypress family (Cupressaceae) and is primarily found on the west coast of the United States, particularly in California and Oregon.
The incense cedar tree typically grows to a height of 40 to 75 feet (12 to 23 meters), with a straight trunk that can reach up to 3 feet (1 meter) in diameter. It has a conical or cylindrical shape and features a dense, pyramid-like crown formed by its sprays of bright green foliage. The leaves are scale-like and arranged in flattened sprays, which emit a distinctive fragrance when crushed or bruised, reminiscent of incense, hence the name "incense cedar."
The bark of the incense cedar is reddish-brown to grayish-brown, with a fibrous and stringy texture. This unique feature, combined with its aromatic properties, has made it a popular choice for the production of incense, as well as for crafting various wood products.
The wood of the incense cedar is highly durable, light, and easy to work with, which makes it ideal for applications such as siding, paneling, shingles, and outdoor furniture. Its attractive reddish-brown color, straight grain, and lack of pitch or resin pockets also contribute to its desirability as a timber species.
In natural ecosystems, incense cedar plays a vital role in providing habitat and food for a variety of wildlife. It is often found growing alongside other coniferous trees, such as Douglas fir and ponderosa pine, in mixed forests or as a component of forested slopes and canyons.
The word "incense cedar" is a compound word consisting of the noun "incense" and the adjective "cedar".
The term "cedar" comes from the Old English word "ceder" which derived from the Latin word "cedrus" and the Greek word "kedros". These words were used to describe specific types of fragrant and durable woods.
The word "incense" originated from the Latin word "incensum", which is the past participle of "incendere" meaning "to set on fire". In this context, "incense" refers to a substance, generally plant-based, that when burned produces a fragrant aroma.
Therefore, "incense cedar" refers to a specific type of cedar tree that possesses a unique fragrance when its wood is burned as incense.