Saru Plant

Description

1. Botanical Information

• Botanical Name: Shorea robusta

• Common Names: Saru, Sal, Sal Tree

• Family: Dipterocarpaceae

• Type: Large deciduous tree

2. Origin & Distribution

• Native To: Indian subcontinent, mainly India, Nepal, and Bangladesh

• Found extensively in tropical and subtropical dry forests of the region

• Considered ecologically and economically important for timber and forest biodiversity

3. Physical Characteristics

• Height & Spread: Can grow up to 30–35 meters tall, with a straight, sturdy trunk

• Leaves: Simple, oblong to elliptical leaves; deciduous, shed during dry season

• Flowers: Small, yellowish-white flowers that appear in clusters, usually bloom in spring

• Fruit: Winged seeds (samara) that disperse by wind

• Bark & Trunk: Greyish-brown, thick bark; trunk is straight and cylindrical, often used for timber

4. Growing Conditions

• Light: Requires full sunlight for healthy growth

• Soil: Prefers well-drained, loamy, or sandy soils; tolerates poor soil conditions

• Watering: Naturally adapted to monsoon rainfall; drought-tolerant once established

• Temperature: Thrives in tropical to subtropical climates

• Humidity: Moderate humidity is ideal; tolerates seasonal dryness

5. Maintenance & Care

• Pruning: Minimal pruning needed; remove dead branches for forest management

• Fertilization: Generally not required in natural settings; young plants may benefit from organic compost

• Pests/Diseases: Relatively hardy; occasionally affected by borers and fungal infections

• Propagation: Propagated through seeds or seedlings; requires protection in early growth stages

6. Uses & Benefits

• Timber & Wood: Highly valued for construction, furniture, and railway sleepers due to strength and durability

• Medicinal Uses: Leaves, resin, and bark used in traditional medicine for various ailments

• Environmental Significance: Provides shade, prevents soil erosion, and supports forest biodiversity

• Cultural & Religious Importance: Considered sacred in Hindu culture; used in rituals and festivals

7. Lifespan

• Long-lived tree; can survive hundreds of years in natural forest conditions