Dalbergia latifolia aka East Indian Rosewood

Dalbergia latifolia is a large tree in Fabaceae, the pea family. People call it Indian rosewood or black rosewood. Its home range runs from the Indian subcontinent to Myanmar. It also takes in the Andaman Islands and Java. It grows in the tropics, with wet and dry seasons. It lives chiefly in monsoon forests. In the southwest of its range, it grows in evergreen forests too.

The tree may keep or shed its leaves as conditions change. Its green crown forms a broad dome. Published figures give its height and spread as about 98 feet [30 metres]. Larger trees can grow to 131 feet [40 metres] tall. The clear trunk can exceed 66 feet [20 metres]. Grey bark peels off in long strips of fibre. Its compound leaves are pinnate: leaflets grow along a central stalk. Small white flowers draw bees, which pollinate the blooms. The tree forms seedpods too.

The tree grows at a moderate pace. Grow it in a sunny spot. Young seedlings can cope with some shade. Deep, moist soil that drains well gives the best growth. It accepts sand, loam and clay across a broad pH range. It can cope with alkaline and salty soils too. It likes moist soil but can withstand drought. Dry seasons in its climate can last six months. It copes with strong winds, but not sea winds. PFAF lists USDA zones 10–12 for this tree. Reports place its lowest temperature tolerance at 32–43°F [0–6°C].

Growers raise black rosewood for wood and shade. Furniture makers, carvers and builders use its wood. They make doors, window frames and farm tools from it. The wood resists rot and insect damage. Farmers plant it by roads and above coffee crops. It fixes nitrogen, and its leaves supply mulch that improves soil. Planting it also helps restore ground lost to erosion. Farmers may grow crops between young trees before their crowns close. Later, crops that cope with shade can grow beneath them.

PFAF lists no known food uses or hazards. This does not prove safety for people or pets. In India, traditional healers use the bark for gut complaints. They also use it to treat leprosy and intestinal worms. These reports do not prove that such treatments work. The supplied sources name no specific pests or diseases. Cutting trees for wood puts heavy pressure on wild trees. This includes illegal logging. Useful Tropical Plants reports its IUCN Red List status as Vulnerable.