A genus of close to 100 species of trees native to the tropics of all continents except for Australia. The foliage of most species looks like that of Robinia pseudoacacia - Black Locust. Many species are valuable for their timber which is excellent for cabinet making.
Propagation is from seed after soaking in water for 24 to 48 hours. They should be planted on their permanent site while small at the beginning of the rainy season.
Dalbergia greveana
A very large tree native to central Africa where it is endangered.
Some records include: largest on record - 180 feet with a trunk diameter of 4 feet.
Dalbergia hupeana ( Hupeh Dalbergia )
Also called Hardy Rosewood. A medium-sized tree, reaching up to 65 feet, that is native to wooded mountain slopes and streamsides in central and southern China. This beautiful tree is nearly unknown in cultivation in Europe and in North America.
The leaves up to 10 inches in length are composed of 7 to 11 leaflets. The oblong or elliptical leaflets are up to 2.5 x 1.6 inches in size. The leathery foliage is glossy deep green.
The white flowers up to 0.3 inches wide, are borne in panicles up to 8 x 8 inches in size, during late spring.
They are followed by thin pods up to 2.8 x 0.5 inches in size.
The very attractive bark is beige to bright brown and peeling. The strong wood is valuable for use in making tool handles. Hardy zones 7 to 9. Seads should be soaked in hot water then left in the water to cool over 24 hours.
* photos taken on Aug 30 2021 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Washington, DC
* photos taken on July 3 2024 @ U.S. National Arboretum, Wash DC
Dalbergia latifolia ( Bombay Rosewood )
A large, evergreen to drought deciduous tree that is native to monsoon forests of India and Nepal. Some records include: 25 years - 67 feet with a trunk diameter of 1 foot; largest on record - 136 x 100 feet with a trunk diameter of 6.5 feet. It is becoming endangered in the wild due to exploitation of its valuable timber.
The pinnate leaves, up to 9 inches in length, are composed of 7 leaflets, up to 3 inches in length.
The white flowers are borne in clusters.
The gray bark is fibrous and peeling.
Hardy zones 10+. It is tolerant of clay and extreme heat to as much as 115 F.
Dalbergia melanoxylon ( African Blackwood )
Some records include: fastest recorded growth rate - 32 inches with a trunk diameter increase of 0.5 inches; 2 years - 5 feet; 3 years - 7.5 feet; 4 years - 10 feet; 8 years - 16 feet; largest on record - 100 feet.
The leaves, up to 9 inches in length, are composed of up to 9 leaflets.
Thrives in Yuma
Dalbergia nigra
Some records include: largest on record - 130 feet with a trunk diameter of 5 feet.
Hardy zones
Dalbergia oliveri ( Tamalan )
Also called Burmese Rosewood. A spreading, medium size evergreen tree native to Burma and Thailand.
Some records include: largest on record - 100 x 60 feet with a trunk diameter of 4 feet. It is becoming endangered in the wild due to exploitation of its valuable timber.
The fern-like pinnate leaves, up to 11 inches in length, are composed of up to 21 leaflets, up to an inch in length.
The flowers are borne in panicles. The lavender buds open to pink flowers that fade to white.
They are followed by narrow seed pods.
The bark is smooth and gray.
Hardy zones 11 to 12
Dalbergia retusa
A large tree native to Central America where it is endangered due to exploitation of its valuable timber. Some records include: largest on record - 100 feet with a trunk diameter of 4 feet.
The pinnate leaves are composed of leaflets, up to 5 x 1.5 inches.
Hardy zones 10+
Dalbergia sisso ( Indian Rosewood )
A very rapid growing large tree native to southern Iran and India. Some records include: 1 year - 16 feet; 5 years - 33 feet; 10 years - 50 feet; 12 years - trunk diameter of 8 inches; 30 years - trunk diameter of 1.5 feet; largest on record - 120 x 75 feet with a trunk diameter of 10 feet.
The leaves, up to 6 inches in length, are composed of 5 leathery, ovate to rounded leaflets, up to 3 inches in length.
The fragrant, pink to white flowers, up to 0.6 inches long, are borne on dense clusters, up to 4 inches in length, during spring.
Hardy zones 9b to 12 tolerating as low as 20 F. It requires a soil PH from 5 to 8 and an average yearly rainfall between 20 and 180 inches but can tolerate as low as 12 inches during an individual year. Does not enjoy clay. Propagation is from seed, softwood cuttings and hardwood cuttings.
* photo of unknown internet source
Dalbergia stevensonii ( Honduran Rosewood )
A large tree native to Belize where it is endangered.
Some records include: largest on record - 100 feet with a trunk diameter of 4 feet.
Hardy zones 10+
