The Shisham tree, scientifically known as Dalbergia sissoo, is a prominent and versatile species. Commonly referred to as North Indian Rosewood, Shisham is a fast-growing, deciduous tree. Its native range primarily spans the Indian subcontinent, including regions of India, Pakistan, and Nepal, extending into southern Iran. It is widely recognized for its various applications, reflecting its widespread presence across diverse landscapes.
Identifying Shisham
The Shisham tree reaches 10 to 30 meters (35 to 100 feet) in height, with a trunk diameter from 0.6 to 3 meters (2 to 10 feet). Its bark is light brown to dark gray, often appearing deeply furrowed and shedding in narrow strips on mature stems. Young shoots are characterized by a downy, drooping appearance.
Shisham leaves are pinnately compound with three to seven leathery leaflets arranged alternately along a central axis, around 15 cm (5.9 inches) long. These broad, oval or nearly round leaflets taper to a point and become hairless as they mature. The tree produces small, fragrant flowers, pale white to pink, appearing in dense clusters 5 to 10 cm (2 to 3.9 inches) long. These flowers are nearly sessile, meaning they have very short stalks.
Following flowering, the Shisham tree develops flat, thin, strap-like pods that are light brown, ranging from 4 to 8 cm (1.6 to 3.1 inches) long and 1 cm (0.39 inches) wide. Each pod contains one to five flat, bean-shaped seeds, 8 to 10 mm (0.31 to 0.39 inches) long. Shisham thrives in subtropical climatic conditions, tolerating temperatures from just below freezing to nearly 50 °C (122 °F), with an average range of 10-40 °C (50-104 °F). It is commonly found along riverbanks, floodplains, and in well-drained alluvial soils, including sandy or gravelly substrates, and can withstand droughts lasting three to four months.
Valued for its Wood
Shisham wood is highly regarded for its exceptional properties, making it a preferred timber. It is renowned for its remarkable durability and strength, classifying it as a hardwood species. The wood also exhibits natural resistance to termites and decay, contributing to its longevity in various environments.
The heartwood of Shisham displays an attractive range of colors, from golden brown to a rich dark brown or even chestnut, often with deeper streaks that enhance its visual appeal. This coloration, combined with its fine, interlocked grain, gives the wood a natural luster. It is also known for its workability, allowing for easy carving and a smooth finish after seasoning.
Commercially, Shisham wood is used in the creation of high-quality furniture, including beds and cabinetry, due to its pliability and ability to hold intricate designs. It is also a popular choice for flooring, providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing surface. The wood’s acoustic properties make it suitable for musical instruments, such as percussion instruments. It is also utilized for decorative items, plywood, and construction timbers.
Beyond Timber
Beyond its esteemed timber, the Shisham tree offers other uses and ecological advantages. Traditionally, various parts of the Shisham tree have been used medicinally. Decoctions made from the leaves have been used for eye pain and gynecological disorders. The bark and roots are recognized for their astringent properties and used for skin ailments, digestive issues, and fevers.
Ecologically, Shisham plays an important role in its native habitats. As a nitrogen-fixing tree, it enriches soil fertility by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form through symbiotic bacteria in its root nodules. Its deep root system also helps in soil improvement and effectively controls erosion, particularly along riverbanks and in disturbed areas. Its spreading crown provides shade, making it a common choice for roadside plantings and in agroforestry systems, benefiting surrounding crops by creating a more favorable microclimate. Shisham leaves serve as fodder for livestock, and its wood is used as fuelwood, producing excellent charcoal.