The Dalbergia Sissoo tree is native to India, Nepal, and Pakistan. It is also known as Sisu, Sheesham, or Indian Rosewood. Sissoo is the premier timber species of the rosewood genus. It is valuable as a fuel and cooking wood, and for shade and shelter. Sissoo is second only to teak as a cultivated wood in India. The multi-purpose timber is valued as one of the finest for cabinets and veneers; it is also used in musical instruments, skis, boats and flooring.
The primary use of the Sissoo tree in North America is for shade, and landscaping. The trees can reach a height of 60 feet and spread as wide as 40 feet. The wood of the Sissoo tree is beautiful; however the tree can be brittle, (making it less suitable to areas known for hurricanes). This can be prevented with proper pruning and adequate training while the tree is young. The lateral branches should remain smaller than two-thirds the size of the trunk diameter for good tree structure. The limbs tend to droop as the tree grows, and will need to be trimmed to allow for vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The Sissoo tree has a fragrant white to pale yellow bloom in the spring. It does not attract wildlife, does not have a litter problem, and needs moderate amounts of water. It is well suited for growing zones 9 through 11. The tree grows well in full or part sun, in clay, loam, sandy, or acidic well-drained soil.
STEP 2:
Harvesting of the seed pods should be completed between November and January; when the pods turn brown and are dry. The pods usually contain one or two seeds, occasionally there can be up to four seeds. The kidney-shaped seeds are glossy and approximately six millimeters long. Seeds should not be harvested from trees that are younger than five years old, or from trees that are declining.
STEP 3:
Processing and drying the Sissoo seeds is difficult. Separting the seed from the pod is arduous. The pods are usually broken into sections containing one seed each, or rubbed between the hands to dislodge the seed. The pod and other foreign materials are then discarded.
STEP 4:
Drying the seeds is usually necessary, however conditions can exist that create seeds dry enough for storage immediately following harvest. Allow the pods to air dry on a clean surface in the shade, until they break crisply. They can also be planted while still in the pod, if the pod has been allowed to dry.
STEP 5:
Storage of seeds should be in sacks similar to those used to store rice and beans, in a well-ventilated area, free of rodents. The seeds will be viable for up to one year under these conditions. In a stable ambient temperature in sealed containers, the seeds can be viable up to five years. The seeds will be viable for only a few months under any other conditions.
STEP 6:
Soak the seeds in water for 48 hours prior to planting. You can expect 60-80% germination in 1-3 weeks. You may want to plant several seeds to ensure the desired growth.
STEP 7:
Planting near sidewalks and driveways is not advisable, as the roots will disrupt these structures.The Sissoo tree grows rapidly, and should be watered regularly until well established. You will have a handsome semi-evergreen tree that creates a light filtered shade, with inconspicuous white fragrant blooms from late spring to early summer.
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