Indian Rosewood

Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. ex DC

dal-BERG-ee-ah  SIS-ooo

Fabaceae

Explanation of name: The genus name honors Nils Dalberg, President of the Swedish Academy of Science (died 1820). Sissoo comes from a local name for the tree.

Natural range: India (BA2)

Recognition:  Tree with few-leaflet pinnate leaves, the leaflets with acuminate or attenuate tips, the pealike flowers white and fragrant

Landscape uses:  Partly deciduous mid-sized fast-growing tree with handsome bark and sprays of small, fragrant pealike flowers during Spring.  Breaks apart in storms. Escapes cultivation in Florida.  Can be grown from seeds.  Not outstandingly attractive.   Not a great landscaping choice

Internet sources: http://hort.ufl.edu/trees/DALSISA.pdf

http://zipcodezoo.com/Plants/D/Dalbergia_sissoo/

http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/duke_energy/Dalbergia_sissoo.html