Dalbergia

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Dalbergia is a large genus of small to medium-size trees, shrubs and lianas in the pea family, Fabaceae, subfamily Faboideae. The genus has a wide distribution, native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, Africa, Madagascar and southern Asia.

Description[edit | edit source]

Dalbergia species are characterized by their hard, often attractively figured wood, which is used in the construction of fine furniture and musical instruments. The best-known species are the rosewoods, so-named because of the smell of the timber when cut, but several other valuable timbers are yielded by the genus.

Species[edit | edit source]

There are about 250 species of Dalbergia. Some of the most notable species include:

  • Dalbergia sissoo - Known as Indian Rosewood, it is used for furniture and turned objects.
  • Dalbergia latifolia - Known as East Indian Rosewood, it is used for furniture, veneer and turned objects.
  • Dalbergia melanoxylon - Known as African Blackwood, it is used for woodwind instruments and knife handles.
  • Dalbergia retusa - Known as Cocobolo, it is used for furniture, musical instruments and small specialty wood items.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Dalbergia woods are often used in the manufacture of musical instruments, particularly for woodwind instruments and acoustic guitars. They are also used in furniture making, especially for high-end pieces.

Conservation[edit | edit source]

Many species of Dalbergia are threatened by over-exploitation for their valuable timber.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

Dalbergia Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD