Sal Tree
Shorea robustafam. Dipterocarpaceae
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Pl. E6ED — Shorea robusta
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IOverview
Overview
The Sal Tree (Shorea robusta) is a large deciduous tree native to the eastern and western Himalayas, as well as parts of Assam, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Tibet. Known for its edible fruit and seeds, it thrives in moist conditions with light soil that can range from sandy to heavy clay. This tree prefers full sun and grows up to 40 meters tall. Its native range makes the Sal Tree a significant part of the region's biodiversity and ecology. One distinctive feature is its ability to adapt to various soil types while maintaining its hardiness in zones 10-12, making it a versatile species in terms of habitat.
Quick answers
What is Sal Tree?
The Sal Tree (Shorea robusta) is a large deciduous tree native to the eastern and western Himalayas, as well as parts of Assam, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Tibet. Known for its edible fruit and seeds, it thrives in moist conditions with light soil that can range from sandy to heavy clay.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
The Sal Tree (Shorea robusta) thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in temperate regions with a range of 10-12. This tree grows to a height of 40 meters and produces edible fruit and seeds. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist for best growth.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
40.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Sal Tree for the first time
7steps
Start with a young Sal Tree sapling for your beginner garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Sal Tree sapling, well-draining soil, and a large container or planting site.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather is mild and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a mix of light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils. Ensure good drainage for containers.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling carefully to avoid damaging roots. Plant it at the same depth as in its container.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in a sunny spot.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and regular watering to maintain moisture levels. Fertilize lightly once a year.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Focus on pruning young branches for shape, as Sal Trees do not produce edible parts for beginners.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSeed
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:ContainersFire starterLightingoilResinTanninWaterproofingLumberCoppice
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
7 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
7 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 7 native
Asia4 regions
native (4)BangladeshChinaIndiaNepal
Broader regions
native:East Himalaya, West Himalaya
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
1 related
See also
1 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Dipterocarpaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Dipterocarpaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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