Dalbergia sissoo

Family: Fabaceae

Common name: Indian rosewood or Shisam

This is a medium to large-sized deciduous tree that grows up to 30 meters tall. Its bark is thin, grey, and longitudinally furrowed, exfoliating in narrow strips. The tree has a taproot system. The leaves are compound and imparipinnate, with alternate leaflets. The flowers range from pale white to dull yellow and are borne in racemes, forming long, short axillary panicles. The pods are narrow at the base, indehiscent, glabrous, and contain 1 to 4 kidney-shaped, thin, flat, light brown seeds.

This tree is one of the most valuable timber species in India. The heartwood is very hard, close-grained, and highly durable. It seasons well without warping or splitting and is highly resistant to dry-wood termites. The wood is difficult to saw and cut but is excellent for turning, takes a good polish, and finishes to a smooth surface. It is widely used for making high-quality furniture, cabinets, decorative veneers, marine and aircraft-grade plywood, ornamental turnery, carving, engraving, tool handles, and sporting goods. It is also popular in the construction of doors and windows.

The oil extracted from its seeds is used to treat skin diseases, while powdered wood, when applied externally as a paste, is used for treating leprosy and other skin conditions. The roots contain tectoridin, which has medicinal uses.