Botanical name: Dalbergia sissoo | Hindi: शीशम| Marathi: शिसव. | English: Indian Rosewood
About
Shisham, scientifically known as Dalbergia sissoo, is a deciduous hardwood tree native to the Indian subcontinent. Standing tall at heights reaching 25-30 meters, Shisham is characterized by a straight trunk, greyish-brown bark, and a dense, umbrella-shaped crown of pinnately compound leaves. The leaflets are small, serrated, and impart a feathery appearance. During the flowering season, clusters of fragrant, pale pink to purplish flowers bloom, transforming into distinct flat, brown pods containing winged seeds. Renowned for its durable and attractive timber, Shisham wood is widely used in furniture, flooring, and construction. Additionally, the tree plays a crucial ecological role in preventing soil erosion and enhancing biodiversity.
Interesting Facts
Medicinal Uses: Shisham, or Dalbergia sissoo, holds medicinal significance. Various parts of the tree, such as leaves, bark, and heartwood, are utilized in traditional medicine. The bark is known for its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, often employed in treating skin disorders and wounds. Shisham leaves are infused to make a decoction, recognized for its antipyretic and analgesic qualities, offering relief from fever and pain. Moreover, the heartwood extract is believed to possess antimicrobial attributes. Rich in phytochemicals, Shisham demonstrates potential in traditional healing practices, showcasing a holistic approach to its importance beyond its commercial and ecological roles.
Culture and Tradition: Shisham, or Dalbergia sissoo, boasts rich cultural and traditional significance in the Indian subcontinent.
- Revered for its excellent sturdy wood, it is a staple in crafting furniture, revered for its aesthetic appeal.
- It is a strong resilient wood with high density because of which it can also be used for making decorative carvings. Saharanpur is famous for it’s wood carving based furniture products, Shisham is the wood of choice for them.
- Integral to traditional music, it forms the body of instruments like sitars, tablas and mridang, resonating with classical tunes. It is also used in making guitars and drums.
- In Ayurveda, Shisham finds use for its medicinal properties, treating various ailments. Beyond practical applications, its symbolic importance in religious ceremonies and rituals signifies purity and sacredness.
Anandvan Trivia Quiz
Question 1: Do you love music? Then you must give me a hug. You know why?Answer: Shisham or Rosewoods come in many varities and all of them are strong and heavy, take an excellent polish, and are therefore suitable for musical instruments like guitars and veena. Rosewood is also used in making percussion instruments like Tabla, Mridanga and variety of drums. Therefore, if you are a music lover then this tree is a special friend of yours.