According to recent habitat modelling by the Institute of Wood Science and Technology (IWST), Bengaluru, only 17.2% of India’s suitable habitat for Dalbergia latifolia — Indian rosewood — lies within protected areas.
About Indian Rosewood:
Indian Rosewood i.e Dalbergia sissoo (North Indian rosewood) is often called the “ivory of the forests,”
Indian Rosewood is a fast-growing, hardy, deciduous crooked rosewood
Distribution: It is native to the foothills of the Himalayas, ranging from Afghanistan in the west to Bihar, India, in the east.
Habitat: It is primarily found growing along river banks above 200 m (700 ft) elevation, but can range naturally up to 1,400 m (4,600 ft).
It has long, leathery leaves and whitish or pink flowers.
Indian rosewood is prized for its rich grain, deep colour, and exceptional durability.
It serves as both a premium timber resource for the furniture and handicraft industries and a keystone ecological species.
It is commonly used for furniture, musical instruments, decorative items and veneers.
Ecological Significance: Rosewood trees improve soil fertility through nitrogen fixation, support bird and insect diversity, and act as long-term carbon sinks.
Conservation status of Indian Rosewood
IUCN: Near Threatened
CITES list: Appendix II
Concerns: Researchers observed that populations are dominated by mature, ageing trees with almost no regeneration in the wild. Seedlings are rare, and in many areas, entirely absent.
Dear Student,
You have still not entered your mailing address. Please enter the address where all the study materials will be sent to you. (If applicable).
