Planting and Stand Management

Saplings of rosewood can be planted in pits of 30 cm cube made at a spacing of 5 x 5 m. Pits are taken before the onset of monsoon and filled with 5 Kg of FYM and top soil. Initial growth of tree is found to be relatively low. Even though habitat is deciduous, it is evergreen in the moist zone of its distribution. In dry areas it shed leaves during February-March and then flushes soon. White flowers will be produced during January-February. Fruit will start developing during March and takes 7-8 months to mature. It is drought resistant. It stands a fair amount of shade, especially when young, but benefits greatly by overhead light. In too open situations, it tends to become crooked and branchy. Though it can withstand fire, fire protection measures are beneficial for the economic development of Indian rose wood forests. The growth of the tree is very slow. It thrives best on well drained, deep, moist soil, particularly in the neighbourhood of perennial streams. Weeding particularly during the early stages are recommended. Depending up on the age and size, about 50-70g of N, 30-50 g P2 O5 and 30-50g K2 O along with 30 Kg of FYM per plant is applied from second year onwards during monsoon.