Bogipoma (Chukrasia Tabularis)

Local Indian Name: Assamese: Boga-poma; Hindi: Chikrasi

Scientific Name: Chukrasia tabularis

Family: Meliaceae

Category: Deciduous Tree

Subcategory: Timber Tree

Native Region: Native to South and Southeast Asia, including countries like India, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Introduction

Chukrasia tabularis, commonly known as Bogipoma in Assam and Chikrasi in Hindi, is a deciduous tropical forest tree renowned for its high-quality timber. The tree is valued for its durable wood, which is used in various applications, including furniture making and construction.

Importance & Benefits

Economic Importance:

• Timber Production: The wood, often referred to as Indian mahogany, is prized for its strength, durability, and fine grain, making it ideal for high-quality furniture, cabinetry, and interior joinery. citeturn0search0
• Market Demand: Due to its desirable properties, there is a consistent demand for Chukrasia tabularis timber in both domestic and international markets.

Ecological Benefits:

• Habitat Provision: As a dominant tree in lowland evergreen and deciduous forests, it plays a crucial role in providing habitat and food for various wildlife species.
• Soil Conservation: The tree's root system helps in preventing soil erosion, especially in hilly terrains.

Description and Cultivation

Botanical Description:

• Height: Can grow up to 35 meters tall.
• Bark: Thick, dark brown, deeply cracked, and flakes off in thin irregular pieces; the inner blaze is pink-red. citeturn0search4
• Leaves: Pinnate with numerous leaflets.
• Flowers: Small, fragrant, and white to yellowish, blooming in clusters.
• Fruit: Woody capsules containing numerous winged seeds.

Cultivation:

• Growth Conditions: Thrives in tropical climates with well-distributed rainfall.
• Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soils but can adapt to a range of soil types.
• Propagation: Primarily through seeds, which should be collected from healthy, mature trees.

Varieties and Cultivars

There are no widely recognized cultivars of Chukrasia tabularis. However, natural variations may occur based on geographic and environmental factors.

Location and Light

• Sunlight: Requires full sunlight for optimal growth.
• Planting Site: Suitable for plantations, agroforestry systems, and as a shade tree in larger landscapes.

Soil Preparation

• Site Selection: Choose a location with well-drained soil.
• Soil Enhancement: Incorporate organic matter such as compost to improve soil fertility and structure.

Planting

• Spacing: Maintain a spacing of 5x5 meters to allow adequate growth.
• Planting Season: The onset of the monsoon season is ideal for planting to ensure sufficient water availability.

Watering

• Young Trees: Require regular watering to establish a strong root system.
• Mature Trees: Generally drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry periods.

Pruning

• Formative Pruning: Conducted in the early stages to develop a strong, straight trunk.
• Maintenance Pruning: Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches to promote healthy growth.

Pest and Disease Management

• Common Pests: While Chukrasia tabularis is relatively resilient, it can be susceptible to borers and defoliating insects.
• Diseases: May be affected by fungal infections, especially in areas with high humidity.
• Management Practices: Regular monitoring, maintaining tree health through proper nutrition and watering, and applying appropriate biological or chemical controls when necessary.

Environmental Conditions

• Climate: Prefers tropical to subtropical climates with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 35°C.
• Rainfall: Requires an annual rainfall of 1,500 to 2,500 mm.
• Altitude: Grows well from sea level up to 1,000 meters above sea level.

Propagation

• Seed Collection: Harvest seeds from mature fruits that have naturally fallen.
• Seed Treatment: Soak seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing to enhance germination rates.
• Nursery Practices: Sow seeds in well-prepared beds and transplant seedlings when they reach a height of 30-40 cm.

Uses

Timber Uses:

• Furniture: The wood's attractive grain and durability make it ideal for crafting high-quality furniture.
• Construction: Utilized in interior joinery, flooring, and paneling.
• Musical Instruments: Occasionally used in making parts of musical instruments due to its resonant properties.

Traditional Uses:

• Medicinal: In some traditional practices, parts of the tree are used for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Monetary Benefits

• Timber Value: Chukrasia tabularis wood commands a premium price in the timber market due to its desirable qualities.
• Economic Potential: Establishing plantations can be a lucrative investment, with returns realized upon harvesting mature trees, typically after 20-25 years.

References