Question

Hard resin obtained from Shorea robusta is commonly called as _____________.

• A. Black Dammar
• B. Safed Dammar
• C. Lal Dhuma
• D. Shellac

Hint:

To remember resin sources, associate "Lal Dhuma" with the reddish-brown Sal tree (Shorea robusta) resin, "Safed Dammar" with the white wood of Vateria indica, and "Black Dammar" with Canarium strictum.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Resins are complex amorphous secretory products of plants, commonly produced in specialized structures like resin ducts.
These substances are insoluble in water but highly soluble in organic solvents.
Shorea robusta, locally known as the Sal tree, belongs to the family Dipterocarpaceae.
It is a major timber-producing species of ecological and commercial significance in India.
When the bark of the Sal tree is tapped or injured, it exudes a thick, aromatic liquid oleoresin.
This oleoresin hardens upon exposure to air, forming a solid resin.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The hard, solid resin obtained from the trunk of Shorea robusta is locally and commercially designated as "Lal Dhuma".
It is also known as Sal dammar or "Ral" in various indigenous markets across India.
Lal Dhuma is primarily used as an incense in religious ceremonies, in the production of low-cost varnishes, and in traditional medicine for treating skin ailments.
To understand why other options are incorrect, we can look at their distinct botanical sources:
- Black Dammar: This dark-colored resin is obtained from the tree Canarium strictum, which belongs to the family Burseraceae and grows in the moist deciduous to evergreen forests of India.
- Safed Dammar: Also referred to as White Dammar, this high-quality pale resin is yielded by Vateria indica, another member of the Dipterocarpaceae family.
- Shellac: This is not a plant resin but an animal product, processed from the secretions of the lac insect Kerria lacca.
Therefore, the correct term for the hard resin of Shorea robusta is Lal Dhuma.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The hard resin obtained from Shorea robusta is commonly called Lal Dhuma.