Dalbergia sissoo, commonly known as Indian Rosewood or Sissoo, is a fast-growing, deciduous tree native to the Indian subcontinent and southern Iran. It plays a significant role in agroecology and regenerative agriculture due to its nitrogen-fixing ability, which enhances soil fertility and supports the growth of companion plants. As a mid-canopy layer tree, it is ideal for mixed agroforestry systems, providing shade and acting as a windbreak. Its dense foliage and extensive root system are effective for erosion control. Historically, its durable and beautiful timber has been highly valued for furniture, flooring, and musical instruments. In traditional systems, it is often interplanted with crops like wheat and legumes, benefiting from its nitrogen-fixing properties.
Growing Details
Dalbergia sissoo thrives in well-drained loamy soils but can tolerate a range of soil types, including poor soils. It requires full sun and is drought-tolerant once established. For optimal growth, prepare the soil with organic compost and mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like legumes can benefit from its nitrogen-fixing ability. Common mistakes include overwatering and planting in shaded areas. Harvest timber when the tree is mature, typically after 10 years, for th
Edible Parts
Leaves
Tags
Nitrogen Fixing Carbon Farming Attracts Wildlife Fire Wood Building Wood Windbreak Erosion Preventing Invasive Visual Appeal Easy Propagating
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Dalbergia sissoo</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to the Indian subcontinent and souther
applicable geo region: South Asia
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of March for 30 days
Harvest:
middle
of May for 60 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(1/5)
edible uses: The leaves are used as fodder for livestock, providing a protein-rich supplement.
Medicinal Rating:
(3/5)
medicinal uses: In Ayurvedic medicine, the bark and leaves are used to treat skin diseases, blood disorders, and digestive issues. The bark is often decocted for its medicinal properties.
health concerns: The wood dust can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
other uses: The wood is highly prized for furniture and cabinetry. It also provides excellent firewood and charcoal, and its leaves are used as green manure.
Scientific Literature
Loading scientific articles about <strong>Dalbergia sissoo</strong>...
Botanical data
specie: Dalbergia sissoo
common names: Indian Rosewood; Sissoo; Sheesham
family: Fabaceae
sub family: Faboideae
tribe: Dalbergieae
sub tribe:
genus: Dalbergia
Growing Conditions
area needed: 10.0 m
spacing: 5.0 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 20ยฐC / 30ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 10ยฐC / 40ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity:
light demands: High
root type: Deep
frost tender: Medium
hardness:โโโโโโโโโโ(9/10)
first harvest: 10 years
life span: 100 years
succession: Pioneer
growth rate: Fast
max height: 25.0 m
max width: 15.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Dalbergia sissoo thrives in well-drained loamy soils but can tolerate a range of soil types, including poor soils. It requires full sun and is drought-tolerant once established. For optimal growth, prepare the soil with organic compost and mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like legumes can benefit from its nitrogen-fixing ability. Common mistakes include overwatering and planting in shaded areas. Harvest timber when the tree is mature, typically after 10 years, for th
Potential Disturbances: Common pests include defoliating insects like caterpillars and stem borers. Natural pest management strategies include introducing beneficial insects such as parasitic wasps to control caterpillars and using neem oil sprays to deter borers. Companion planting with marigolds can help repel nematodes.
Growth Timeline
Recipes Using This Plant
Animals Interacting With This Plant
Permanent Link
Scan this QR code for a permanent link to this plant:
Loading comments...