INTRODUCTION

Human beings are depending on the plants for food, shelter and medicine. Besides this
wood had considerable importance in the livelihood of ancient people, use of wood in
making several things such as agricultural implements, boat building, handicrafts,
packing cages, toys, construction, furniture, instruments, turnery, carving, etc (Ambasta,
1992 ; Asolkar, et al., 1992; Dinesh & Sharma 2012).

Trees are valuable gift for nature and the silent protector of our planet. Apart from
economic benefits he provide us with unmatched environmental protection- the reduce
soil erosion, ac as sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide release large amount of oxygen,
provide shade, absorb pollutants, and slow down climate changes such as global
warming (Kohli et al., 2003) .

The control and command of early man over fire initiated the beginning of social life
and gave birth to a whole series of related technologies that would otherwise have
been inconceivable. The settled mode of life called for a more permanent dwelling
place which laid the foundation of civilization. With the advancement of civilization and
modern tools and techniques the innovative ways of use of natural product including
woods appeared. Now, however, we are living in the age of steel, concrete, plastics and
electronics, wood still finds prestigious position as the world’s most important raw
material being used among nearly 5,000 different manufactured products obtained from
the forests. The products and services that the woods render to modern life especially in
housing, transportation and the manufacture of variety of products are beyond obligation.
The paper used for printing and writing is largely manufactured from wood pulp (Singh,
2018).

Plants are useful to man in many ways. All the parts of the plant are useful to mankind.
Plants provide us food, wood for furniture, raw materials for clothing and housing. The
wood obtained from plants is used mainly for the construction of houses and making
furniture. This wood is called as timber (Kumar& Kiran 2016).

Trees are the essential component of the indigenous agricultural systems. Most of these
species are preserved or managed to meet the immediate needs of the population such as
timber, food, medicines, income, agricultural materials and ecological needs. The role of
trees in maintaining stability in ecosystem has come to the forefront in the each for

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solution to environmental degradation (Ajake and Anim, 2012) [1]. The integration of
trees into farming system remains relevant in the on-farm biodiversity conservation
strategy and the expansion of the production of many fruits, vegetables, medicinal plant
and buh meat. Gregersen et al. (1989) [5] indicated that trees introduced into farming
systems can help improve the productivity of farmlands by fixing nitrogen, providing
green manure and reducing wind erosion and soil moisture loss especially when they are
used in shelter belts or windbreaks. In some parts of the world, farmers have planted
trees as hedgerows at intervals along the contour to transform a permanent cropping with
increased yields and income. Therefore, trees in farming systems have significant role in
the socio-economic activities of the people and constitute the basis of forest resources
management. Since time immemorial human beings are depending on the plants for
food, shelter and medicine. Wood/timber as a raw material offered precious services to
man from tappearance on earth and has decisively contributed to his survival and to the
development of civilization. The list of present uses of wood/timber is very long. Aside
from lumber for construction and furniture, poles, bridge timbers, wood is also
manufactured into veneer, composite wood and used for fuel wood, agricultural
implements, handicrafts, packing cases, toys, etc (Tsoumis, 1968) [10]. Hence, the
present study was undertaken to create baseline information of different timber yielding
species growing on farmlands and the purposes for which they are utilized by the local
people.

The most commonly used wood in India is from following plants viz., Acacia nilotica
(L.) Del.; Bombax ceiba L.; Albizia lebbeck (L.) Bth.; Toona ciliate Roem.; Juglans
regia L. Salix alba L. Morus alba L., Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) G. Don, Picea smithiana
(Wall.) Boiss.; Pinus roxburghii Sarg; Dalbergia latifolia Roxb.; Dalbergia sissoo
Roxb,; Pterocarpus marsupium Roxb.; Pterocarpus santalinus L.f.; Diospyros ebenum
Koenig,; Adina cordifolia (Roxb) Hook. f.; Tectona grandis L.f.; Shorea robusta
Roxb. ex Gaertn. F.etc. (Dinesh & Sharma2 2012).

Quality of good Timber

Colour
Color is a uniform property by which most trees are characterized as they show variation
from tree to tree. Light color indicates weak timber. For example, freshly cut teak,
Deodar, and Walnut have a golden yellow, whitish and dark brown shades respectively.

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Appearance
Smell is a good property as timbers for few plants as they can be identified by their
characteristic aroma. Fresh cut timbers have a good smell. For example resinous smell
from pine.
Hardness
For the resistance of any kind of damage, hardness is an obvious property.
Specific Gravity
Variation of timber in specific gravity (0.3-0.9) is found. It depends on pores present
inside timber. The specific gravity of this light material is less than that of water (<1).
But in case of compact wood where pores are almost absent and become heavier, their
specific gravity increases up to 1.5.
Moisture Content
Timbers are hygroscopic and gain water from nature (atmosphere). The absorption of
water or dehydration depends on atmospheric humidity. If timbers moisture content is
high that means the timber quality is low. Water content is the risk of fungal attack.
Grain
Several types of grain arrangement found. On the grain structure quality of timber varies.
Grains remain closely related.
Straight grain: Arrangement of vascular tissue (xylem and phloem) is important which
grow parallel to the length of the timber that is termed as straight grain.
Coarse grain: vascular tissue and fibre arranged broadly and widely.
Interlocked grain: Instead of parallel arrangement twisted, a spiral arrangement may be
found.
Shrinkage and Swelling
The percentage of shrinkage and swelling varies from plant to plant. Some give higher
percentage after drying. Shrinkage starts when cell walls of timber start to release water.
In moisture atmosphere timber swells when cell walls absorb water. Good quality
timbers swell less. Timbers having thicker wall swell more than a thinner one.
Strength
Best quality timbers have the highest strength. Strength means capable to bear loads.
Anisotropic material like timber has different structure at the different portion. So, the
strength of timber is different at different points. Grain structure determines the strength
of the timber.
Density
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Timber having higher density have a thicker wall. An important property that quality of
timber. Moisture content: Presence of defects: There may be some of the natural and
artificial defects in timber such as cross-grain, knots, and shakes, etc. All of them cause a
decrease in the strength of the timber.
Toughness
Timber has to have the capability to bear shocks, jerk. Anti-bending and ant splitting
characteristic is needed. Old timbers have annual rings which indicate their age is a good
indicator.
Elasticity
Another property elasticity means timber should attain its own shape after use. Because
of this quality, it is used in sports bat.
Warping
Environmental change with season can’t effect good quality timber.
Durability
A good quality timber has the property to resist the attack the infection of fungus or other
insects. This resistance quality makes timber better.
Defectless
This property is gained if the timber is from a sound tree. A defectless tree is free from
sap, shakes, and dead knot.
Workability
A good timber is always easy to work on it. Easy to drag using saw on good timber. The
finishing can be done well.
Soundness
A good quality timber gives good sound.
Texture
The texture of good timber is fine.

OBEJECTIVE

 To review Timber quality.

 To document indigenous knowledge about their use.
 To collect specimens of Timber plants and submit it in Herbarium.

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 REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Mahender (2021) worked with the 13 timber yielding plant species viz. Anogeissus
latifolia, Cedrus deodara, Dalbergia latifolia, Dalbergia sissoo, Eucalyptus
teriticornis, Pinus patula, Pinus roxburghii, Pinus wallichiana, Santalum album,
Shorea robusta, Tectona grandis, Terminalia alata and Toona ciliata of district
Bilaspur of Himachal Pradesh. Out of them 04 species are SOFT WOOD
(Gymnosperms) while 09 species are HARD WOOD (Angiosperms). (Singh et al.,
2021) Survey of some timber yielding plants of district Rampur UP, India with
special reference to their commercial value the survey of this study concluded

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 that ,all parts of plant included root, shoot, bark, leaves fruits etc can be used for
packaging, paneling, carriages, furniture, and carpentry of all kinds and tradional
medicinal purpose which will promote forest conservation.( Dobhal et al., 2010)
studied Diversity of timber yielding plants found in different parts of District Tehri
Garhwal ,Uttarakhand, India. Mishra & Pal (2010) studied Tree wealth of Eastern
Uttar Pradesh, India. Eastern Uttar Pradesh fragile ecosystem and considered as
hotspot of biodiversity. About 95 species of Trees belonging to 45 families are found
in this forest. Kondas (1975) in his book man made Forests emphasized that wood is
the for most building materials and entire building could be made of timber including
its walls, floor and roof. Agarwal et al. (2003) reported that Timber Trading Trends
in Madhya Pradesh, pointed out that forests provided a number of goods and
services. Forests products have been divided into groups wood products and non-
wood products. The first group consists of timber, small wood and fuel wood. The
second includes bamboos ,oil seeds, grasses, fruits, begins, bark, leaves and
excludes. Warrier & Kalaiselvi (2021) Gmelina arborea- an indigenous timber
species of India with high medicinal value they review on pharmacology and
pharmcognosy and phytochemistry. Chandrasekaran (1973) Deputy Conservator of
Forests, Evaluation, Trivandrum in his paper presented in the seminar on forest
industries has thus, observed and analysed: “In India wood resources are entirely
under public ownership. A policy of wood resource development is strongly linked
with a proper pricing policy for wood and the pricing policy should aim at obtaining
maximum social.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Polythene bag

Polythene bags will be used for containing,transporting, collecting plants specimen from
agriculture field and other areas.

Herbarium sheet

A herbarium will be collection of dried preserved plant specimens mounted on sheets.

These sheets provide vital protection of herbarium (specimens include pressed and dried

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plants). The specimens will be mounted on sheets of standard size herbarium paper
(29×43cm).

Glue will be used to attach the large portion of the plant specimens, such as wood sample
on the herbarium sheets.

METHODS

Survey Method: The survey will be conducted through out the study periods in different
area in Hamirpur District of Himachal Pradesh.

Collection: The specimen of “Timber Plants” are collected from Hamirpur District.

Identification: The specimen will be observed to identify and will be classified on their
morphological and anatomical characters.

Preservations: The dried specimens are mounted on Herbarium sheets of standard size
(29×42cm) with the help of glue. The mounted specimen are sprayed with fungicides
like 4% formalin solution. Properly dried, pressed and identified specimens are
preserved for future use.

MONTH -Wise work plan

Sr.No. Month Plan

1 January-February Area visits and collection of
specimens.

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 2 February-March Collection and
Identification of specimen.

3 April-May Preservation and storage of

herbarium.

4 May-June Preparation of final report

Botanical name: Toona ciliate

Local name: Tooni

English name: Red Cedar

Family: Meliaceae

Area of collection:

Timber: Sapwood is pinkish-white or pale yellow-brown and the heartwood pale

brown, cedar brown, dark red-brown or brick red when 1st cut. It darkens upon exposure
to a rich reddish-brown with darker brown streaks.

Grain: It is generally straight to somewhat interlocked.

Texture: It is moderately close and uneven, and the wood is lustrous.

Odour: A strong, fragrant, long-lasting spicy odour is usually present.

Rot resistance: The heartwood is moderately resistant to decay.. Staining is satisfactory,

and the timber takes both water- and oil-based paints well. Timber produced by T. ciliata
(not a true cedar) has moderate weight, strength and hardness.

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Indegenous uses: Wood has a variety of uses such as for boat building, cabinet making,
cigar boxes, matchboxes, decorative plywood and veneer, food containers, furniture,
interior trim, joinery, musical instruments, ornamental work, panelling, boxes and crates,
building materials, exterior uses, millwork, mouldings.

Botanical Name: Morus alba L.

Local name: Tut

English name: Mulberry

Family: Moraceae

Area of collection

WOOD: Heartwood is a golden brown/darkening to a medium reddish brown with age .

Sapwood is a pale yellowish white. Overall appearance is very similar to Osage Orange.
Tree Size: 30-50 ft (10-15 m) tall, 1-1.5 ft (.3-.5 m) trunk diameter

Texture: Grain is straight, with a uniform medium texture. Good natural luster.

Rot Resistance: Rated as very durable, with good insect resistance and weathering
properties.

Workability: Responds well to both hand and machine tools. Turns, glues, and finishes
well.

Odor: No characteristic odor.

Indegenous uses: The wood is used for furniture, hockey-sticks, tennis, badminton,
cricket stamps, toys etc

Botanical name: Sanegalia catechu

Local name: Khair

English name: Red clutch

Family: Fabaceae

Height: It grows upto the height of 10m to 15m generally.

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Color: Its bark is dark grey or greyish brown.

Wood: The tree is often planted for use as firewood and charcoal and its wood is highly
valued for furniture and tools.

Color: It's wood brown in colour.

Density: The wood has a density of about 0.88 g/cm3.

Botanical name: Eucalyptus umbellata Domin

Local name: Safeda

English name: blue gum

Family: Myrtaceae

Botanical name: MyrtaceaeDalbergia sissoo Roxb.

Local name:

English name:

Family: Fabaceae

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Area of collection:

Botanical name: Mangifera indica L.

Local name: Aamb

English name: Mango

Family: Anacardiaceae

Area of collection:

Wood - No distinct heart wood and sap wood, grey in colour, heavy and hard, not
durable against termites and fungi, easy to sow and work used after treatment and
preservatives.

Grain/ Texture: Grain can be straight or interlocked. With a medium to coarse texture
and good natural luster.

Workability: If interlocked or wild grain is present, tearout is common when

machining. Reaction wood may also be present, which can shift as it is being sawed,
potentially causing binding on the blade. Has a fairly high silica content, and will readily
dull cutting edges. Glues and finishes well.

Odor: No characteristic odor.

Indegenous uses: It is used for making furnitures, tea-boxes, door, windows, agricultural
implements, frame, plywood etc. It is also valuable for its fruit.

Botanical name: Pyrus pashia

Local name: Kainth

English name: Indian wild Pear

Family: Rosaceae

Area of collection:

Wood: Pyrus pashia is often hard, heavy and strong.

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Color: Light reddish-brown color.

Grain: It consists of a very fine, straight and even textured wood.

Density: Its density has a specific gravity of 0.70.

Indegenous use: Wood is used for fuel as well as for making agricultural implements,
walking sticks, combs, etc. Large limbs of this tree are used for fencing. Its root stocks
are used for grafting purpose. Its decayed fruits, leaves and twigs are also lopped for
fodder. In addition to this it has the potential to control erosion on steep hill sides

STUDY AREA

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Bhoranj is a Tehsil / Block (CD) in the Hamirpur District of Himachal Pradesh. Total
area of Bhoranj is 157 km². Bhoranj has a population of 90,590 peoples. There are
22,318 houses in the sub-district. There are about 273 villages in Bhoranj block.

REFRENCES

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Asolkar, L. V., Kakkar, K. K. & Chakra, O. J. (1992) Second supplement to glossary of

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Kumar, H.K. & Kiran, B.R. (2016) Preliminary survey of Timber Yielding Plants of
Badrinath Taluk, Karnataka. International journal of research in Environmental Science
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Chauhan, Nigam, & Santvan (2014) Ethnobotanical survey of Trees in Pabbar Valley,
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Agarwal, A., Berry, N., L.K. Sood P.K. Choudhary & Shukla, P.K. (2003) Timber
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