Eetti is Indian rosewood or Bombay blackwood, a forest tree whose dark purple-brown heartwood is among the most valued timbers in India. It is used for fine furniture, Mysore inlay work and the backs of guitars. Because of heavy logging all rosewoods were placed under international trade controls (CITES Appendix II) in 2017, and the species is listed as Vulnerable. Hindi kala shisham sets it apart from ordinary sheesham, Dalbergia sissoo.
- Botanical name
- Dalbergia latifolia Roxb.
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Tamil
- Eetti
- Hindi
- Kala shisham
- Parts used
- Heartwood
- Habit
- Indian rosewood, a protected timber tree
- Last updated
- 2026-10-27
How to recognise Eetti
It is a large deciduous tree of moist forests, often twenty metres or more tall.
The leaves are pinnate, with five to seven broad, rounded leaflets, larger and rounder than those of sheesham.
Small white flowers form loose clusters, followed by flat, thin, strap-shaped pods with one to four seeds.
The heartwood is dark purple-brown with black streaks, heavy and fine-grained.
Sheesham has fewer, pointed leaflets on a zigzag stalk and golden to medium-brown wood.
Traditional use of Eetti
Craft
Mysore rosewood inlay sets ivory-coloured woods and shell into dark rosewood panels.
Karnataka craft practice
Craft
Carved rosewood furniture and temple doors were made in Kerala and Karnataka.
South Indian craft practice
Modern notes on Eetti
Rosewood is prized by instrument makers for its density and tone, especially for guitar backs and sides.
In 2019 CITES exempted finished musical instruments from permit rules, but logs and timber still need permits.
In India rosewood felling on private land requires permission from the forest department in most states.
Wood dust from rosewood can cause skin rashes and asthma in woodworkers.
Eetti safety
Woodworkers should use dust masks and ventilation when cutting or sanding rosewood. Buy only certified timber from legal sources.
Ecology and sourcing
It grows in the moist deciduous forests of the Western Ghats, central India and Java.
It fixes nitrogen with root bacteria.
It regrows from root suckers, which helps forests recover after felling.
Related plants
Also in Fabaceae
Questions about Eetti
Is rosewood the same as sheesham?
No. Sheesham is Dalbergia sissoo.
Is rosewood trade restricted?
Yes. It is listed under CITES Appendix II.
What is Bombay blackwood?
Another name for Indian rosewood.
Why do guitar makers use Eetti?
Its dense wood gives a rich tone.
Is Eetti endangered?
It is listed as Vulnerable.
Sources
- Dalbergia latifolia Roxb. — Plants of the World Online, Kew (search) (accessed 2026)
- Wikidata item Q726420 (Dalbergia latifolia)
Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.