Sissoo Tree
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Sissoo Tree
  
(Dalbergia sissoo)
  
NORTH OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, WEST OF ENTRANCE
  
39 Fast-growing evergreen tree from India. A legume tree, its roots put nitrogen back into the soil via nitrogen fixing nodules.

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In Depth Dalbergia sissoo, Sissoo Tree
Location: NORTH OF SOCIAL SCIENCES, WEST OF ENTRANCE
Family: Fabaceae
Distribution: India, Nepal, Pakistan
Habitat: savanna and woodland areas
Habit: fast growing large deciduous tree
Flowering: white to yellow fragrant flowers in the spring
Natural History Notes: Natural History Notes: This native of India, Pakistan, and Nepal has long been a highly valued tree for the excellent quality of its wood. This species is also commonly referred to as shisham or Indian rosewood. 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. Human Uses: 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.