UPSC Prelims 2007 Q93: Environment & Ecology – Sustainable Agriculture & Forestry
Dalbergia species is associated with
which one of the following?
- (a) Cashew - nut
- (b) Coffee
- (c) Tea
- (d) Rosewood
Answer: (d) Rosewood
Explanation
Dalbergia — the rosewood genus
| Species | Common name | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Dalbergia latifolia | Indian rosewood (Sheesham/Satisal) | Fine furniture, musical instruments |
| Dalbergia sissoo | Shisham | Hardwood; common in north India |
| Dalbergia nigra | Brazilian rosewood | Endangered |
| Dalbergia melanoxylon | African blackwood | Used for clarinets |
Dalbergia is a genus of the pea family (Fabaceae).
Many Dalbergia species are listed under CITES Appendix II because of illegal rosewood trade.
Other options: Cashew = *Anacardium*; Coffee = *Coffea*; Tea = *Camellia*.
Answer: (d) Rosewood.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Cashew is *Anacardium occidentale*.
- (b) Incorrect. Coffee is *Coffea arabica / Coffea canephora*.
- (c) Incorrect. Tea is *Camellia sinensis*.
- (d) CORRECT. *Dalbergia* is the rosewood genus — includes Indian rosewood and shisham.
Key point
Dalbergia = rosewood (D. latifolia) and shisham (D. sissoo); legume family; many species under CITES.
Remember
Dalbergia is the genus of rosewood and shisham.
Common mistakes
- Guessing a plantation crop because the other options are all plantation crops.
- Not knowing that shisham is also a Dalbergia.
- Confusing rosewood (Dalbergia) with red sanders (Pterocarpus santalinus) — both are smuggled timbers.
Exam tip
Genus names to know: Tectona (teak), Shorea (sal), Santalum (sandalwood), Dalbergia (rosewood/shisham), Pterocarpus (red sanders).
Sources
- NCERT Class XI — India Physical Environment, Ch 5 (Natural Vegetation)
- CITES Appendices — Dalbergia spp.
- Botanical Survey of India