Discovering the Various Species of Rosewood Found in India and Their Geographic Distribution

There are only two main Rosewood types found in India

– East Indian Rosewood – Botanical name Dalbergia Latifolia and the other one Sheesham/Sissoo or North Indian Rosewood Botanical name – Dalbergia Sissoo – majorly used in handicrafts 

So, we can have descriptions on only the two main rosewoods – Sissoo and Latifolia. 

India is known for its diverse flora and fauna, and rosewood is one such species that has been highly valued for centuries. Rosewood is a type of hardwood known for its durability, strength, and beautiful grain patterns. India is home to several species of rosewood, each with its unique properties and characteristics. Let us take a journey through the different types of rosewoods found in India and their significance.

East Indian Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia)

East Indian Rosewood, also known as Bombay Blackwood, Malabar Rosewood or Beete in the local language in Karnataka  is the most commonly found and widely used rosewood species in India. It is found in the Western Ghats mainly in the states of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The timber of Indian Rosewood is highly prized for its rich variety of colors ranging from purple, blue to  reddish-brown color, beautiful grain patterns, and excellent tonal characteristics. It is used for making high-quality furniture, flooring, and musical instruments such as acoustic and electric guitars. Indian Rosewood is also considered a sacred wood and is used to create devotional objects such as prayer beads, idols, and figurines.

• Bombay Blackwood (Dalbergia latifolia) – these are common names for the same Dalbergia Latifolia and it is one and the same.  

Bombay Blackwood, also known as East Indian ebony, is a subspecies of Indian Rosewood found in the Western Ghats. It is a dense and heavy hardwood with a deep black color and is highly valued for its durability and strength. It is used for making musical instruments such as sitars, flutes, and clarinets.

• Malabar Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia) these are common names for the same Dalbergia Latifolia and it is one and the same.  

Malabar Rosewood, also known as Malay Rosewood or Mysore Rosewood, is a subspecies of Indian Rosewood found in the Western Ghats and parts of southern India. The timber of Malabar Rosewood is highly valued for its deep reddish-brown color and excellent acoustic qualities. It is used for making musical instruments such as veenas and mridangams.

• Andaman Padauk (Pterocarpus dalbergioides) – Not Rosewood

Andaman Padauk is a species of rosewood found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is a dense and heavy hardwood with a rich reddish-brown color and is highly valued for its durability and strength. It is used for making high-quality furniture, decorative items, and musical instruments such as ukuleles.

• Ceylon Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia) – This one is not rosewood (only common name) it is the flooring species which we have installed in our office – Albizzia Odoratissima. 

Ceylon Rosewood, also known as Sri Lankan Rosewood or Siyah Shan, is a species of rosewood found in Sri Lanka and southern India. The timber of Ceylon Rosewood is highly valued for its deep brown color, beautiful grain patterns, and excellent acoustic qualities. It is used for making high-quality furniture, decorative items, and musical instruments such as sitars and tablas.

In conclusion, rosewood is a valuable hardwood species found in India that has played a significant role in India’s cultural and economic history. Each species of rosewood has its unique properties and characteristics that make them highly valued for different purposes. It is essential to ensure sustainable forest management practices to preserve these valuable species for their ecological, cultural, and economic significance.