Common Name: East Indian Mahogany

General Information

Pterocarpus dalbergioides is a semideciduous or nearly evergreen tree with ascending branches, growing 25 - 40 metres tall. The bole is usually straight, cylindrical and buttressed, and can be up to 180cm in diameter[, ].
The tree yields one of the most important timber trees of the Andaman Islands, where it is commonly harvested from the wild for local use and for export, mainly to mainland India. This is one of 33 species named as being a suitable Hongmu (red wood) timber, used for producing high quality Chinese furniture following traditions from the Ming and Quing dynasty, which makes it a particularly valuable wood[]. The tree also yields edible leaves and flowers, medicines and tannins for the local populace. It is grown as a street tree and ornamental in India and Africa[].
It is estimated that over the past three generations the population of Pterocarpus dalbergioides has declined by at least 30% as a result of historical timber harvesting. Logging of the species is now more strictly controlled but the species habitat is becoming fragmented. The overall population size of the species is not known but it is considered to be in decline due to poor seed regeneration, with no saplings or seedlings being found across 106, 0.1 ha sites. The tree is long lived and thought to need forest disturbance for there to be significant regeneration. The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2018)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Habitat

Found in deciduous and semi-moist deciduous forests, growing on well-drained banks and undulating terrain, on or near riverbanks and sometimes forming pure stands; at elevations up to 100 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Tree
Height	35.00 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Pterocarpus dalbergioides is a plant of the wet, lowland tropics, where it is found at elevations up to 100 metres. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 22 - 32°c, but can tolerate 15 - 37°c[]. Plants are not tolerant of frost. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 3,000 - 3,500mm, but tolerates 2,500 - 4,000mm[].
Grows best in a sunny position, tolerating light shade[]. The tree is shade tolerant in youth[]. Succeeds in most soils[]. The tree is best adapted to damp conditions[]. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 - 6.5, tolerating 5 - 7.5[].
Pterocarpus dalbergioides is long lived and it is estimated that the species takes 10 years for its trunk to reach 30cm in diameter[].
The species experiences poor, wild generation from seed. It is thought that it only regenerates in forest gaps and following widespread forest disturbance[].
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

The flowers and very young leaves can be eaten[].

Medicinal

The bark contains tannins and is astringent. It is used medicinally[].

Other Uses

The bark is a source of tannins[].

The heartwood is variable, mainly a rich crimson hue or shades of red to brown, often with darker red or blackish streaks, it is sometimes pale red or yellowish; the narrow band of sapwood is greyish. The texture is rather coarse; the grain generally interlocked; dull to lustrous; without characteristic odour or taste[]. The heartwood is rated as very durable and also resistant to termite attack[]. The wood is moderately hard; it is not difficult to saw and machine but because of interlocked grain does not dress to a smooth finish; it turns well; takes a good polish[, ]. Of high quality, the wood is used for light to heavy construction, joists, rafters, beams and interior finish. It is also used to make high quality furniture, panelling, musical instruments, high-grade cabinet work, interior joinery, billiard tables, decorative flooring, agricultural implements, veneer, etc[, ]. Because it withstands weathering, wearing and insect attacks, it is used for bridges, piles, posts, railway sleepers and mine timbers[].

Propagation

Seed -

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