Sheesham, North Indian Rosewood
Growth and Advantages
What is Sheesham wood?
Sheesham wood is also known as Dalbergia Sisso, a deciduous tree, called Sheesham in the Indian subcontinent. It is grown across the length and breadth of the sub-Himalayan region, extending from Assam in the east to River Indus. These forests go all the way across Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Assam. Here, it is known by various names, like Sheesham, Shishan, Shisham, Sissoo or Sisu.
D. sissoo is a medium to a large deciduous tree with a light crown that reproduces by seeds.
Sheesham trees have a life of 22 years during which period they attain a height of 30 meters. Their diameter is a maximum of 1.5 meters and they are known to produce heavy and dense wood.
D. Sissoo is native to the foothills of the Himalayas ranging from Afghanistan in the west to Bihar, India in the east. Soils range from pure sand and gravel to rich alluvium of riverbanks. Sheesham can grow in slightly saline soils. Seedlings are intolerant of shade.
Sheesham wood ranges from being golden brown to a dark brown or chestnut colour with darker streaks that give this wood a rich and lustrous appearance. The wood is sturdy and tough with a straight grain, though it could also be found to be interlocked. Its texture ranges from medium to coarse with a natural lustre.
