About Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. ex DC.
Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. ex DC. is a medium to large deciduous tree with a light spreading crown, and reproduces both by seeds and suckers. Mature trees can reach up to 25 m (82 ft) in height and 2 to 3 m (6 ft 7 in to 9 ft 10 in) in diameter, though they are usually smaller. When grown in open areas, trunks are often crooked. This species has leathery, alternate, pinnately compound leaves that measure about 15 cm (5.9 in) long. Its flowers are whitish to pink, fragrant, nearly sessile, and up to 1.5 cm (0.59 in) long; they grow in dense clusters that are 5 to 10 cm (2.0 to 3.9 in) in length. The seed pods are oblong, flat, thin, and strap-shaped, measuring 4 to 8 cm (1.6 to 3.1 in) long and 1 cm (0.39 in) wide, and are light brown in color. Each pod holds 1 to 5 flat, bean-shaped seeds that are 8 to 10 mm (0.31 to 0.39 in) long. Dalbergia sissoo has a long taproot and numerous surface roots that produce suckers. Young shoots are downy and drooping; established stems have light brown to dark gray bark, up to 2.5 cm (0.98 in) thick, that sheds in narrow strips. Large upper branches form the tree's spreading crown. Dalbergia sissoo is native to the Himalayan foothills, ranging from Afghanistan in the west to Bihar, India, in the east, and also occurs naturally in Iran. It grows primarily along river banks at elevations above 200 m (700 ft), and can naturally grow up to 1,400 m (4,600 ft) elevation. In its native range, typical annual temperatures fall between 10 to 40 °C (50 to 104 °F), but temperatures can vary from just below freezing to nearly 50 °C (122 °F). It can tolerate average annual rainfall up to 2,000 millimetres (79 in), and can survive 3 to 4 month long droughts. It grows in a wide range of soil types, from pure sand and gravel to the rich alluvium of river banks, and can grow in slightly saline soils. Seedlings of this species cannot tolerate shade. In ecology, Dalbergia sissoo acts as a larval food plant for the black rajah butterfly (Charaxes solon). In traditional medicine, the seed oil and powdered wood of this tree are used to treat skin ailments. Dalbergia sissoo may also be effective for treating stomach and blood conditions. For cultivation, propagation is most commonly done via root suckers, though it can also be done from seeds. Seeds only remain viable for a few months. Before sowing, seeds should be soaked in water for 48 hours; 60% to 80% germination can be expected after 1 to 3 weeks. Seedlings need either partial sun or full sun to grow. In India, trade and use of shisham wood is subject to government restrictions.
