An appreciation of the majestic Deodar Tree (Cedrus Deodara), also known as devadara and the Himalayan cedar.
Deodars are native to the Hindu Kush and Himalayas, ranging from northeastern Afghanistan through Pakistan (where the deodar is the national tree) and India to Nepal. The name comes from the Sanskirt "devadaru," which translates to "divine wood" or "timber of God."
Deodars are tall, beautiful conifers that have thrived elsewhere in the world as well, after the first seeds were sent overseas in the 19th century. They are abundant in Southern California, such as in Griffith Park and along Los Feliz Blvd. in Los Angeles. In Altadena, two hundred deodars are decorated every year along Christmas Tree Lane.
Deodars are also commonly found in the San Francisco Bay and Puget Sound regions, as well as in many parts of the U.K.
Author J.C. McGowan has published an essay on the history of the "Tree of God" in his blog:
http://jcmcgowan.blogspot.com/2008/03/blog-post.html
