Chandigarh Forests
Department of Forest & Wildlife
UT Administration
Chandigarh
Department of Forest & Wildlife
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Division
|
Angiosperms |
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Class
|
Dicotledons |
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Subclass |
Polypetalae |
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Series |
Disciflorae |
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Order |
Geraniales |
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Family
|
Meliaceae |
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Genus
|
Chukrasia |
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Species
|
tabularis |
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Etymology:
|
The name is derived from Hindi name of the tree, Chukrasi – “Chickrassy wood” of commerce. |
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Botanical name:
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Chukrasia tabularis A. Juss. (C. velutina Wight. & Ann.). |
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Local/Trade Names: |
Chittagong Wood, Chikrassi, Chukrasia, Bastard Cedar, East Indian Mahogany |
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Conservation status:
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Commonly planted as avenue tree. |
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Digonestic features:
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Bark dark brown; blaze exfoliating into pink. |
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Description: |
A large tree, usually deciduous. Bark dark brown; blaze exfoliating into pink coloured papery rolls. Leaves pinnately compound; leaflets 10-24, unequal-sided, 5-10 cm long, ovate or elliptic-lanceolate, slightly hairy beneath. Flowers white or pale-yellowish, ca 1 cm across. Fruit a capsule, ovoid, 2.5-3 cm long, 3-valved, woody. Seeds numerous, winged. |
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Phenology: |
Fls.: During hot and rainy season. Frts.: Nov.-Dec. It sheds leaves during the winter. |
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Distribution:
|
India, Bangladesh and Mayanmar. |
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Where to see it: |
Gate no. 2 side. |
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Uses: |
Wood is lustrous possessing an attractive mahogany-like figure. Used for high class furniture, paneling and decorative work; also for plywood, laminated boards, canoes and cooperage. Young leaves and bark contain 22% and 15% tannin respectively. Tree exudes a water soluble reddish or amber coloured gum. |
