Dalbergia

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

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

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

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

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

See also

• Rosewood
• Fabaceae
• Tropical rainforest

References

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