PREFACE
The successful completion of this project was a great experience for me as I visited many
places and interacted with various people. I achieve a lot of information about the Sal tree
which I wasn’t aware of. The experience I gained by doing this project was essential for my
career. The research provides an opportunity to the students to devote his/her skills,
knowledge and comparison required during the course. This project is being submitted
which contains detailed analysis of the research about the Sal tree.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to express my deepest appreciation to all those who provided me the possibility to
complete this report. A special gratitude I give to Ar. Sabina Tandukar, whose contribution in
stimulating suggestions and encouragement, helped me to coordinate my project especially in
writing this report.
Furthermore I would also like to acknowledge with much appreciation the department of
architecture, who gave the permission to use all required equipment and the necessary
materials to complete the report. I have to appreciate the guidance given by other supervisor
as well as Surya Kath godam for helping to find the information and required material for my
project.
SAL TREE
CLASSIFICATION:
The botanical name of Sal is Shorea Robusta. It belongs to plant family Dipterocarpaceae.
Below is given taxonomical classification of plant.
Kingdom: Plantae
Subkingdom: Tracheobionta – Vascular plants
Super division: Spermatophyta – Seed plants
Division: Magnoliophyta – Flowering plants
Class: Magnoliopsida – Dicotyledons
Subclass: Dilleniidae
Order: Theales
Family: Dipterocarpaceae – Meranti family
Genus: Shorea Roxb.
Species: Shorea Robusta
DESCRIPTION
Sal is a large, deciduous and evergreen tree with a dark brown bark. It is a medicinal tree and
used in Ayurveda for thousands of years to treat variety of diseases including piles, leucorrhoea,
gonorrhea, skin disorders, ulcers, wounds, diarrhea, dysentery, burning sensation, seminal
weakness etc. It requires more water so it generally propagated where there is moist and sandy
loam soil.
It is up to 30 meter high. Sal tree is seldom completely leafless. It has large leathery leaves
and yellowish flowers. They have tough texture. Young trees have a linear crown, which
becomes rounder and flatter with aging. The sapwood is whitish in color, thick and is less
durable. The heartwood becomes dark brown to black in color on exposure. The wood
pores are filled with resin.
It is found in India, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Nepal. In Nepal, it is found mostly in the Terai
region from east to west, especially, in the Churia range (The Shivalik Hill Churia Range) in
the subtropical climate zone. There are many protected areas, such as Chitwan National
Park, Bardia National Park and Shukla Phat Wildlife Reserve, where there are dense forests
of huge Sal trees. It is also found in the lower belt of the Hilly region and inner Terai.
SAL TREE
LOCAL NAMES
Latin name: Shorea Robusta
Sanskrit: Agnivallabha, Ashvakarna, Ashvakarnika, Chiraparna, Dhanya, Dirghaparna,
Dirghashaka, Rala, Ralakarya, Sala etc.
English: Indian Dammer (Oleoresin), Sal tree
Hindi: Sakher, Sakhu. Sakhua, Sakob, Sal, Sala, Salwa, Shal, Swet Dhuna (Ral, Shal, Resin)
Tamil: Attam, Kungiliyam, Shalam
Unani: Raal (resin)
Siddha: Kungilyam
Nepal: Agrakh, Sakhua, Sal, sakwa
BIO-PHYSICAL LIMIT:
Altitude: 100-1500m
Mean annual temperature: (min 1-7)22-27(max 34-47) deg; C
Soil type: flourishes best in deep, well rain, moist, slightly acid sandy to clayey soils.
Leaves: Simple, shiny, glabrous about 10-25 cm log and broadly oval at the base
Flowers: Yellowish-white, arranged in large terminal (March-April)
Fruit: at full size about 1.3-1.5 cm long & 1cm in diameter
USES
The wood is especially suitable for constructing frames for doors and windows.
The leaves of the Sal tree are used by the tribal people for preparing rice cakes and for
smoking.
The leaves are used to make platters, bowls, small baskets and many more.
Distilled leaves produce an oil which is used in perfumery.
It is also used in flavoring chewing gums and tobacco.
Its dried and fallen leaves are used as fertilizers.
It is used for caulking ships and boats.
The oil that comes out from its seed is edible and is known as Sal butter.
It is often used in cooking and for the burning in the oil lamps.
The seeds of the Sal tree are used for fat extraction.
Its oil is even used for adulterating ghee.
Tribal people give marriage invitation in the form of folded Sal leaves, with the little bit
of turmeric and rice inside it.
Sal timber used in Sal timber used in struts & roof
cornice rafters
Pillar Timber used in the doors,
windows, struts, etc.
Leaf used to make tapari Sal tree used in door
frame
MEDICINAL USES
The resin is used in the indigenous system of medicine as an astringent and
detergent and is given in diarrhea and dysentery.
It is also used as an ingredient of ointments for skin diseases and in the ear
troubles.
It is also used in the foot care cream.
The fruits of the Sal tree are used in the treatment of excessive salivation, epilepsy,
and chlorosis.
The powered seeds have insecticides properties.
The powered seeds are even used to treat dental problems.
It cleanses the skin of oily secretion and is used as the cleanser for washing hair.
CULTURAL IMPORTANCE
Sal tree is worshiped among the Buddhist and Hindus in India. It is mentioned in many
scriptures that the Buddha was born and died under the Sal tree. A branch of the tree bend
down to support his mother Maya and as soon as he held on the tree, the baby appeared.
Sal tree has special significance in the festivals and marriages of Adivasi. A pole of the Sal
tree is considered very important and unless the bridegroom sits on the altar made of tree
of Sal, the marriage has no meaning. It also holds great value in the lives of the indigenous
populance of Chotanagpur plateau. It is the main attraction of the festival of Sarhul, which
means Sal Blossoms Festival. The whole festival revolves round the Sal tree.
PESTS AND DISEASES
Shorea Robusta is best by a number of pests and diseases. Among the insect pests in India,
Hoplocerambyxspinicornis is the most destructive. Its larvae tunnel through the bark,
sapwood and finally to the heartwood, causing death of the tree. The population of the pest
keeps building up and if not checked may assume an epidemic level. Other insect pests
include Diacavusfurtivus and Xyleborus spp. The major fungal diseases include those
caused by Polyporusshorea and Polyporusgilvus. The semi-parasite Loranthusscurrula can
also cause increment losses.
Insects and diseases in the Sal tree
CONTROL MEASURES
Choose disease-resistant varieties or cultivars, only plant in well-drained soil, and
avoid overwatering.
Create irrigation moats to keep the water from pooling against tree trunks.
Disinfect any tools you work with before using them again.
TYPES OF SAL LOCALLY AVAILABLE
Nepali Sal: Mostly found in the Terai region from east to west especially in Churia
range. Use for mainly load bearing structures.
Indian Sal: Well suited for structures subject to heavy stress in house construction,
ships, railways, posts, frames, doors, etc.
Malaysian Sal: Used for marine construction in making boats, decks, ships cabins,
window and door frames.
PRICE LIST:
SAL PRICE PER CUBIC (RS)
Nepali 6500
Indian 4500
Malaysian 3200
CONCLUSION
From the research, I came to know lot about the Sal tree, its importance and uses in
construction. Sal tree being found in widerange in Nepal and India. It is mostly used in
timber, for its strength and durability. Beside construction, Sal can be used for various
medical purpose. And Sal has its own cultural importance.
REFERENCE
www.wikipedia.com
www.forestrynepal.com
www.google.com
Building material book
CONTENTS:
1) Introduction of Sal tree
Classification
Description
Local names
Bio-physical limit
2) Uses of Sal tree
3) Cultural importance
4) Pests and diseases
5) Control measures
6) Types of Sal tree
7) Conclusion
8) Reference
