239 
INDIAN FOREST RECORDS. 
Vol. I,] 1908. [Part HI. 
Pterocarpus dalbergioides, Roxb. : 
Andaman Padouk. 
By B. B. OSMASTON, F.C.H. 
Deputy Conservator of Forests. Andamans. 
1. Habit . — A very large semi-deciduous tree reaching a height of 
80 to 125 feet with a clear bole of 20 to 50 feet and a girth of 10 feet. 
Even larger trees than this occur, stems from 12 to 16 feet in girth being 
occasionally met with. 
The trunk is frequently much buttressed ; this is especially the 
case with trees growing on low-lying ground. 
2. Distribution . — The Andaman Padouk tree is confined to the 
Andaman Islands, being found throughout the group in suitable places. 
It does not extend to the Nicobar Islands, nor yet to the Cocos, Nar- 
condam or Barren Island. The total area of the Andaman Islands 
being about 1,951 square miles, it has probably a smaller area of 
distribution than any other important Indian forest tree. 
3. Timber . — Andaman Padouk )delds a valuable ornamental wood, 
the colour of which varies in shade from a deep crimson, through 
cherry red, dull red, pink and reddish brown to brown. 
The logs yielding the very best crimson-red wood constitute only about 
5 per cent, of the yield, but about 70 per cent, of the logs extracted 
yield red wood of various shades fit for the foreign market. 
The remaining 30 per cent, consists of reddish brown or brown timber, 
the ” off coloured Padouk,” which is equal to the former in strength 
and durability, and, indeed, in every respect excepting colour. 
About 95 per cent, of the Padouk logs extracted float in sea water 
after they have been felled a month, and well seasoned wood weighs 
