Sal Tree

Shorea robusta

Physical Characteristics

Shorea robusta is an evergreen Tree growing to 40 m (131ft) by 30 m (98ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - Indian subcontinent to south-western China[266 ].

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Oil Seed Edible Uses: Oil Seed - roasted[272 ]. The seeds are boiled into a porridge with the flowers of Bassia latifolia and the fruits of Dolichos biflorus[303 ]. They can be ground into a coarse flour that is used to make bread, and the plant is used as a famine food[303 ]. A de-fatted kernel powder, popularly known as sal seed cake, contains about 50% starch, in addition to proteins, tannins and minerals. The physico-chemical property of the starch can be exploited for preparing canned food products[303 ]. The chemical composition of the seeds consists of 10.8% water, 8% protein, 62.7% carbohydrate, 14.8% oil, 1.4% fibre and 2.3% ash. The seeds are a source of 'sal butter', an oil that is used in cooking like ghee and as a substitute for cocoa butter in making chocolate[301 ]. Fruit - occasionally eaten[301 ].

Medicinal Uses

Dysentery Odontalgic Poultice Skin The resin is valued for its use in the treatment of dysentery, gonorrhoea, boils and toothaches[272 ]. The leaf juice is used in the treatment of dysentery[272 ]. The leaves are warmed and used as a poultice on areas of the body that are swollen[272 ]. They have a quick effect[272 ]. They are also applied to the stomach of children with dysentery[272 ]. The oil from the seed is used to treat skin diseases[272 ].

Known Hazards

None known