We have followed the treatment in the Flora of China[], which treats this as a distinct species. However, some botanists see it as a var of Dalbergia lanceolaria, as Dalbergia lanceolaria L. f. subsp. lanceolaria var. assamica (Benth.) Thoth.[GRIN]

Common Name:

General Information

Dalbergia assamica is a deciduous tree with a spreading crown; it can grow 7 - 10 metres tall[]. It is said to grow 15 - 30 metres tall in Thailand, occasionally reaching 40 metres[]
The tree is cultivated as a shade tree for tea plantations and is also used in shelterbelts[].
Dalbergia assamica has a wide range. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - Bangladesh, northeast India, Bhutan, southern China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia

Habitat

Mixed forests, open forests, among bushes, mountain slopes, riversides, wastelands beside villages; at elevations from 300 - 1,700 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	8.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus are mainly found in the wild growing in sany soils and on limestone escarpments[]. In cultivation they are likely to do well in a fertile, loam soil and a position in full sun[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree is grown to provide shade for tea plantations in Assam, though used less frequently for this purpose than it used to be[].
It has been recommended as a mid-storey tree for shelter-belts[].
Natural regeneration of this species is strong on areas of abandoned shifting cultivation[]. This suggests a natural pioneer species, of value in restoring native woodland or creating woodland gardens[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Like many species within the family Fabaceae, once they have been dried for storage the seeds of this species may benefit from scarification before sowing in order to speed up germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing[].
Softwood cuttings of many species, especially if taken from younger plants, will root in a well-drained, sandy medium in a closed case with bottom heat[].

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