The Rosewoods

There is a tree which is often mistaken for Indian Rosewood due to striking similarity in their leaves and flowers. But can be distinguished by somewhat darker bark.

Black Rosewood (Dalbergia Latifolia/काळा शिसम, काळारुख) is moderate-to-large sized tree with a dome shaped crown of lush green foliage. The leaves of Shisham have pointing tip whereas the leaves of this species are blunt and broadly rounded with wavy margins. The broad leaves explains the species name latifolia.

Furthermore, though it sheds its leaves, it can hardly be found leafless. It flowers abundantly in aromatic clusters of white colour creating an eye-soothing view. Due to these reasons, it is noted to attract number of birds, butterflies, insects and wildlife. Hence the tree needs to be introduced in home gardens in urban societies. 

Practically, Black Rosewood is quite similar to Shisham, including their use in agroforestry, apiculture, medicines, ornamental or soil improvement. It is also a Nitrogen-fixing tree and gives the nitrogen-rich foliage which is widely used as a green manure and fodder. Like other member of the genus Dalbergia, its honey is dark amber and strong flavoured.

In a drier habitat, the hardy tree is leafless for couple of months, regaining its leaves in April-May. In a moist locality, it is evergreen throughout the year. The species grows on a variety of soils. It grows best on well-drained, deep, moist soils & black cotton soils. The root system of the tree is well developed with deep tap roots and long lateral roots. It reproduces by seed, root sucker or cuttings. Although no treatment is necessary, soaking seed in cool water for 12-24 hours will hasten germination of seeds. 

Black Rosewood is widely used for reforestation of eroded soils. It is also planted as a roadside tree and shade tree. It acts as a soil improver. The leaf litter decomposes slowly releasing nutrients gradually and it is used as mulch. Medicines are made from the tannins in the bark, for diarrhoea, worms, indigestion, and leprosy. These tannins also produce an appetizer.

There is another species from the same genus, Dhobin or Phansi (Dalbergia Lanceolaria subsp. Paniculata/धोबीन, फणशी, दोंडूस) is a very conspicuous and handsome, deciduous tree. It is eye as well as ear catching tree when profusely covered with flowers and young leaves. The tree is actually loud with the buzzing of thousands of bees. Its flowers are white & fragrant.

This species is a moderately fast growing tree. It is recommended for reforestation projects on degraded land where seeds are unlikely to grow successfully. It is propagated by seeds. Young seedlings grow well in the dappled shade of the forest, but they become more light-demanding as they grow older. 

Different parts of trees particularly seed and bark are used in the Ayurveda; mainly to treat arthritic infections and inflammations.

The lesser known tree species has a great potential in Agroforestry. Dhobin has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby. In  other uses, it is used as wind  break for micro-climate enhancement, nectar source for honeybees, and in addition to these leaves are used as a fodder for livestock animals. 

Both these Rosewoods are excellent choice for farmers as well as city dwellers!