Wood Anatomy of Legumes of India: Their Identification, Properties and Uses

The family Leguminosae constitutes the third largest family of flowering plants. Although, there are about 18,000 legume species, only 25% are extensively used. Wood obtained from the trees of this group plays a very important role in forestry and forest products utilization. India, bestowed with a large number of genera and species has a special status not only of its ecology, but also of its economy. Pterocarpus santalinus and P. dalbergioides which are endemic to Andhra Pradesh and Andaman Islands respectively, are famous throughout the world for their timbers. Similarly, the Dalbergia species, especially D. latifolia and D. sissoo are known for furnishing some of the finest furniture and cabinet timbers, famous in timber trade. The timbers obtained from other species are used right from construction to toys and turnery articles. In view of their economic importance, they play a very vital role in trade and commerce not only in India but also throughout the globe. The primary step i