India, alongside Bangladesh and Nepal, is working towards removing ‘Dalbergia sissoo’ from the list of endangered species with the objective of safeguarding the livelihood of handicraft manufacturers and farmers in the region. Popularly referred to as Rosewood or Shisham, this medium to large deciduous tree, indigenous to India, features a subtle crown.
Distribution of Dalbergia Sissoo
Dalbergia sissoo is indigenous to the foothills of the Himalayas. Predominantly found along river banks at elevations below 900 meters (3000 ft), it can naturally extend up to 1,300 m (4300 ft). The average temperature in its native range fluctuates between 10-40 °C (50-104 °F) and reaches extremes from just below freezing to nearly 50 °C (122 °F). The tree can endure an average annual rainfall of up to 2,000 millimeters (79 in) and can withstand droughts lasting 3-4 months. As for soil type, it ranges from pure sand and gravel to the rich alluvium of river banks. Interestingly, Shisham can also grow in slightly saline soils.
Uses of Dalbergia Sissoo
Dalbergia sissoo serves multiple purposes. It is widely used as firewood, timber, poles, posts, tool handles, fodder, for erosion control, and as a windbreak. In addition to that, oil is extracted from the seed and tannin from the bark. Internationally, it is primarily recognized as a premier timber species of the rosewood genus.
Contrarily, Shisham is also crucial as fuel wood, shade, and shelter. Because of its diverse application, tolerance of light frosts and long dry seasons, this species demands more attention for tree farming, reforestation and agroforestry applications. Post teak, it is deemed as the second most significant cultivated timber tree in India, usually planted on roadsides, and also used as a shade tree for tea plantations.
| Species | Avg. Temp | Elevation | Avg. Rainfall | Drought Tolerance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dalbergia sissoo | 10-40 °C (50-104 °F) | Below 900m – up to 1300m | Up to 2000mm (79in) | 3-4 months |
CITES Status of Dalbergia Sissoo
Presently, Dalbergia sissoo is featured in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This international agreement aims to protect endangered plants and animals. Though the species isn’t directly threatened with extinction, the treaty mandates that the trade should be controlled to prevent usage which might conflict with their survival.
Last Modified: February 6, 2024