East Indian Rosewood
Family
Leguminosae (Dalbergia latifolia)
Other Common Names
Shisham (India)
Distribution
Throughout the Indian peninsula scattered in the dry deciduous forests, but nowhere common; attains its best growth in the Bombay region.
The Tree
On favorable sites, trees reach a height of 100 ft, with clear, cylindrical boles 35 to 50 ft in length; diameters may reach 5 ft, more often 2.5 ft or less.
The Wood
General Characteristics
Heartwood varying in color from golden brown to dark purple brown with darker streaks giving an attractive figure; sapwood yellowish often with purplish tinge, sharply demarcated. Grain narrowly interlocked; texture moderately coarse; luster low; fragrant when freshly cut but without distinctive odor or taste when seasoned.