Sisu, Sissoo, Indian Rosewood

Frost Tolerance: Will take some limited frost

Sun Exposure: Full sun or light shade

Origin: India, Pakistan and Afghanistan

Growth Habits: Small deciduous tree, 20 to 50 feet tall (6-15 m), 30 feet spread (9 m)

Watering Needs: Regular water

Propagation: Seeds, root suckers

Propagation: Seed or occasionally cutting

• by semi-hardwood secondary cuttings, in summer. Use intermittent mist. Root in 5-8 weeks.
• by seeds, in spring. The seeds can also be harvested in spring. No pre-treatment is needed.

Indian Rosewood (Dalbergia sissoo), U.S.D.A. Drawing, courtesy Hunt Institute

Timber tree, the young branches and foliage eaten by livestock. After teak, it is the most important cultivated timber tree in India, planted on roadsides, and as a shade tree for tea plantations. Sissoo makes first class cabinetry and furniture. It is used for plywood, agricultural, and musical instruments, skis, carvings, boats, floorings, etc. The leaves are used for fodder. In the U.S. (Arizona, Florida) it is said to be one of the most desirable shade trees for streets and backyards. It is grown in the sewage-irrigated greenbelt arount Khartoum, Sudan.
Source: James A. Duke. 1983. Handbook of Energy Crops. Unpublished

Propagation:
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 (Jackson 1987). Seedlings partial sun or full sun.

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