Punjab – Sheesham
Common Name: Indian Rosewood
Local Name: tahli (Punjabi), Sheesham, sissu, sissai (Hindi), sheeshoo (Bengali)
Scientific Name: Dalbergia sissoo Roxb.
Description: A medium to large semi-deciduous tree that grows up to 25 m tall and has a light-spreading crown. The greyish-yellow trunk often features longitudinal cracks. The tree bears whitish-to-pink fragrant flowers in dense clusters. The leaves are alternate and pinnately compound.
Distribution: The tree is native to the Himalayan foothills and is mainly found growing along the fertile riverbanks, ranging in elevation between 200 m to 1,400 m. The tree can tolerate an average annual rainfall of up to 2,000 mm and 3 to 4 months of drought.
Importance: It is a highly valued timber species used for making railway sleepers, musical instruments, wheels, boats, etc. Sissoo wood is used for making furniture and cabinets due to its incredible strength and durability. Various parts of the tree are used in the treatment of different diseases. Dalbergia sissoo is also the larval food plant of the black rajah butterfly.