Sheesham

Sheesham is essentially a rosewood variant. It is made from the Dalbergia sissoo tree species, which is also known as Indian Rosewood. The wood is a hardwood, and the trees are deciduous in nature. The tree is native to the Indian Subcontinent and Iran's south. Sheesham, sisu, tahli, Tali, Irugudujava, or jag are some of the regional names for the wood.

 

Sheesham, also known as Shisham, is a premium rosewood species that has gained international recognition. It is commonly used in the construction of furniture, particularly cabinets. This is primarily due to the wood's extreme durability and longevity. It is, in fact, resistant to decay. The heartwood is extremely durable and resistant to dry-wood termites; however, the sapwood is susceptible to woodboring beetles, which is a disadvantage of Sheesham. As a result, the owner must ensure that the furniture is free of beetles and their eggs, as well as that it is well maintained.

 

Sheesham veneers and plywood are also made from the wood. Rosewood is also used to make musical instruments, particularly percussion instruments, due to its resonance properties. Sheesham is commonly used to make the Rajasthani percussion instrument 'Kartaals.' Flooring, agricultural tools, boatbuilding, carving, skis, and turning objects are all possible uses for sheesham. It is also commonly used as a fuel source, and the tree is commonly planted along roadsides, canals, and as a shade tree in tea plantations.

 

The sapwood of Sheesham varies in colour from white to pale brownish white, while the heartwood is golden brown to a darker reddish brown. The grain of sheesham is straight, but it can be interlocked. Sheesham has a medium to coarse texture and a nice natural lustre.