SafePlants

Dalbergia latifolia: Indian Rosewood

Dalbergia latifolia, commonly known as Indian Rosewood, East Indian Rosewood, or sonokeling (in Indonesia), is a prized timber tree native to India. It is also known by several other common names including Bombay Rosewood, Indonesian Rosewood, Malabar Rosewood, palisandre de l'Inde, roseta rosewood, and Bombay Blackwood.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Dalbergia latifolia
• Family: Not explicitly mentioned in the text.
• Synonyms/Alternative Names: East Indian Rosewood, Sonokeling, Bombay Rosewood, Indonesian Rosewood, Malabar Rosewood, palisandre de l'Inde, roseta rosewood, Bombay Blackwood, Black Rosewood.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• This wood is frequently used in furniture making. Observe to ensure kids and pets do not chew or splinter wood parts.

Distribution and Habitat

Indian Rosewood is native to India and grows throughout Southeast Asia. While it can be found in various locations, the most highly regarded timber comes specifically from India.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Indian Rosewood is described as a "handsome specimen, shade, framing, or street tree."
• It is considered a semi-evergreen and easily grown.
• It has delicate, light green, oval pointed leaflets.
• The sapwood is narrow and yellowish in color.
• The heartwood varies in color from a golden brown to a dark purplish brown with darker brown or blackish streaks. The wood tends to darken over time.

Use as Timber

• Indian Rosewood is known for its sweeping frequency range, making it a popular tonewood for musical instruments, particularly guitars.
• It's considered a mid-hardness timber with well-balanced tones across all frequencies.
• It is frequently used in furniture making, including tables, desks, and cabinets.

Quirky Facts

• The Shisham tree (Indian Rosewood) is the symbol of the Punjab province of Pakistan.

Resources and Further Information

• eBay is mentioned as a source for finding Indian Rosewood items and lumber.