Andaman padauk, East Indian-mahogany,
Pterocarpus dalbergioides

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

Pterocarpus dalbergioides is a semi-deciduous tropical tree growing about 25-40 m in height and 180 cm in diameter. It is buttressed with usually straight and cylindrical bole. It is endemic to India and valued for wood, medicine, food, and other uses. Plant parts such as flowers and young leaves are edible while the bark is used medicinally and as source of tannins. The wood is of high quality and resistant to termite attack. It is used for constructions, furniture, panelling, cabinet making, agriculture implements, bridges, piles, etc.

Pterocarpus dalbergioides is a deciduous Tree growing to 35 m (114ft) by 25 m (82ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 35

Where it is found

Found in deciduous and semi-moist deciduous forests, usually on or near riverbanks, at elevations up to 100 metres.

E. Asia - Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Conservation Status: Status: Data Deficient

Countries/locations it is found in

India

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

The flowers and very young leaves can be eaten.

Medicine

Rating: 2

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

Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.

Other

Rating: 4

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. It 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.

Furniture: A few miscellaneous uses that do not fit easily into other headings.

Tannin: An astringent substance obtaied from plants, it is used medicinally, as a dye and mordant, stabilizer in pesticide etc.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil

How it is grown

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. 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.

Propagating it: Seed -

Best place to grow:

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Andaman padauk, East Indian-mahogany, andaman-padauk - Swedish

Synonyms

Lingoum dalbergioides (Roxb.) Pierre Pterocarpus advenus Baill. Pterocarpus indicus auct. Non Willd.