Punjab State Tree

Punjab, the granary of India is a sprawling state with acres of lush greenery. The state’s abundant flora forms a colorful kaleidoscope. The state’s claim to fame however rests in its majestic and imposing state tree, Shisham that touches the state’s skyline.

Shisham or Sissoo or Sisu or Indian Rosewood, identified by the scientific nomenclature Dalbergia sissoo is a deciduous tree that grows in Haryana, Punjab and some other parts of India, Pakistan and Nepal. With its average elevation ranging between 900 m-1300 m, the lofty tree grows along fertile riverbanks and can withstand extreme climatic conditions with temperatures varying from freezing cold to the searing hot and nearly 2000 mm rainfall or 3-4 months of severe drought. However the young seedlings cannot tolerate shade.

Internationally recognized as the best timber species belonging to the family of rosewood, Shisham has multiple uses. Besides timber, it is also a significant fuel that can be used to yield wood, shade, and shelter. Shisham trees are also planted along roadsides to serve as shades for tea plantations.

The rich, dark Shisham wood with their fine texture is used to build elegant cabinets and furniture. The pale brownish white sapwood and highly durable dark brown heartwood are used for making plywood, agricultural, and musical instruments, skis, carvings, boats, floorings, etc.

The Shisham sapwood and heartwood are recorded to have very high calorific value of 4908 kcal/kg and 5181 kcal/kg, respectively. They also form excellent charcoal for cooking and heating purposes.

Shsiham, the pride of Punjab stands tall with its pretty pink fragrant blossoms and serves a multitude of practical purposes.