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Shisham (''Dalbergia sissoo''), is an erect deciduous tree, native to the Indian Subcontinent. It is also called Sissoo, Sisu, Sheesham, Tahli and Indian Rosewood. It is primarily found growing along river banks below 900m elevation, but can range naturally up to 1,300m. The temperature in its native range averages 10 – 40°C, but varies from just below freezing to nearly 50°C. It can withstand average annual rainfall up to 2,000mm and droughts of 3 – 4 months. Soils range from pure sand and gravel to rich alluvium of river banks; Shisham can grow in slightly saline soils. Seedlings are intolerant of shade.

Shisham is best known internationally as a premier timber species of the rosewood genus, but is also utilised as an important fuel wood and for shade and shelter. With its multiple products, tolerance of light frosts and long dry seasons, this species deserves greater consideration for tree farming, reforestation and agro forestry applications. After Teak, it is the most important cultivated timber tree in Bihar- which is the largest producer of Shisham timber in India. In Bihar the tree is planted on roadsides, along canals and as a shade tree for tea plantations. __NOTOC__

Timber

Shisham is among the finest cabinet and veneer timbers. The heartwood is golden to dark brown, and sapwood white to pale brownish white. The heartwood is extremely durable (the specific gravity is 0.7 – 0.8) and is very resistant to dry-wood termites; but the sapwood is readily attacked by fungi and borers. It is used for plywood, agricultural and musical instruments, as well as skis, carvings, boats, floorings, etc.

Fuel wood

The calorific value of the sapwood and heartwood of 'excellent' fuel wood is reported to be 4,908 kcal/kg and 5,181 kcal/kg respectively. As a fuel wood it is grown on a 10 to 15-year rotation. The tree has excellent coppicing ability, although a loss of vigor after two or three rotations has been reported. Shisham wood makes excellent charcoal for heating and cooking.

Botany

Shisham, ''Dalbergia sissoo'' Roxb. (''Leguminosae'', subfamily ''Papilionoideae'') is a medium to large deciduous tree with a light crown which reproduces by seeds and suckers. It can grow up to a maximum of 25m in height and 2 to 3m in diameter, but is usually smaller. Trunks are often crooked when grown in the open. Leaves are leathery, alternate, pinnately compound and about 15cm long. Flowers are whitish to pink, fragrant, nearly sessile, up to 1.5cm long and in dense clusters 5 – 10cm in length. Pods are oblong, flat, thin, strap-like 4 – 8cm long, 1cm wide and light brown. They contain 1 – 5 flat bean-shaped seeds 8 – 10mm long. They have a long taproot and numerous surface roots which produce suckers. Young shoots are downy and drooping; established stems with light brown to dark gray bark to 2.5cm thick, shed in narrow strips; large upper branches support a spreading crown.

Propagation

It takes place most commonly by root suckers and also by seeds. The seeds remain viable for only a few months. Seeds should be soaked in water for 48 hours before sowing and 60 – 80% germination can be expected in 1 – 3 weeks. Seedlings require partial sun or full sun.