Chukrasia tabularis aka Burmese Almondwood

Chukrasia tabularis is in the mahogany family, Meliaceae. Its names include chickrassy, Chittagong wood and Indian redwood. It is native to the Indian subcontinent, southern China and western Malesia. It grows in lowland tropical forests. These forests may stay green or shed their leaves. Trees grow scattered in the forest's top layer of crowns. The species also takes root on bare ground, including road cuttings.

The tree grows at a medium rate. In gardens, it reaches about 98 feet [30 metres] tall. Some trees reach 131 feet [40 metres]. Its spread can reach 98 feet [30 metres], reports say. It may shed its leaves or stay green, based on conditions. Its straight trunk can lack branches for 82 feet [25 metres]. The base has grooves and rounded buttresses, or root flares. Deep, coarse cracks mark the dark brown bark. The leaves are narrow and oval, with tips that taper. Pale red flowers form groups on branched stems. The fruits are yellowish-grey and wrinkle as they ripen.

Give this tree sun and moist soil that drains well. One growing account says it can take light shade, too. Sand and loam suit it, but heavy, wet soil does not. It grows in soils across a wide pH range. Wild trees grow on limestone, too. It grows best with warmth and plenty of rain. Growth slows in places with low rainfall. It withstands strong winds, but not salt-laden winds near coasts. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 9–12. Bear its tropical needs in mind when choosing a site.

People grow chickrassy for wood, shade and its looks. It also serves as a pioneer tree on cleared land. Farmers grow it with bananas, citrus and guavas. In India, it gives shade to coffee crops. Its straight trunk suits these mixed plantings. So does the way it sheds its own branches. It regrows after coppicing or pollarding: cutting near ground level or higher up. This trait helps in home gardens. The trunk gives a clear yellow gum. Fresh seed needs no treatment before sowing. But it loses its power to sprout within about three months.

People have long used bark extracts for diarrhoea and fever. Reports say leaf extracts act against malaria, bacteria and fungi. These reports do not prove that home treatments are safe. Young fruits may be edible; the claim goes no further. Sources list no known hazards, but do not prove safety. Useful Tropical Plants reports a global Least Concern assessment from 2011. It also reports severe losses in Vietnam from logging for timber.