Common Name(s): Sissoo Tree, Indian rosewood, Shisham

Synonym(s):

Family: Fabaceae

Native To: India, Nepal, Pakistan

Native Habitat: Savanna and woodland areas

Growth Habit: Fast growing large deciduous tree

Flowering: White to yellow fragrant flowers in the spring

Distinguishing Characteristics: This moderately fast growing deciduous tree reaches heights of around 65 feet high with a 10 to 20 foot spread. Mature trees have dark brown heartwood and white to pale brown sapwood. The heartwood is extremely durable. The leaves are leathery, alternate, and about 6 inches long. The fragrant, white to pink flowers are about ½ an inch long and grow in clusters 2 to 4 inches long. The flowers then produce pods, which are oblong, thin, and flat. They are 1 to 3 inches long, about ¼ an inch wide, light brown, and contain 1-5 bean shaped seeds.

Ethnobotany: This tree is prized for its high quality, beautiful dark brown wood, which is used among the finest cabinet and furniture makers. The wood is also used for shipbuilding, musical instruments, skis, and flooring. The sissoo also producers a nitrogen rich fodder which makes it an excellent tree to improve crop conditions. Growers also use this tree as shade in the numerous tea plantations in India and surrounding countries.

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