(i) Sal (Shorea Robusta)

It occurs in the sub-IIimalayan region from Kangra (Himachal Pradesh) to Darrang (Assam), Meghalaya and the northern parts of Tamil Nadu. Its wood is very heavy, hard and durable. It is much in demand for piles, doors, beams, planking and railway sleepers. Sal forests occupy 11.6 lakh hectares, accounting for about 16 per cent of the total forest area of the country.