Context:
Over the last few years, bats made of Kashmiri willow have been attracting global attention after making appearances in international games.
Relevance:
Facts for Prelims
Kashmir Willow
Origin and Growth:
- Kashmir willow (Salix alba var. caerulea) is primarily cultivated in the Kashmir region of India.
- It is a deciduous tree that grows up to 30 meters (98 feet) tall with slender trunks and a narrow, conical canopy.
- The trees typically take 20 to 25 years to mature.
Habitat and Adaptability:
- Kashmir willows thrive in the region’s moist and temperate climate, often found along riverbanks and in areas with sufficient soil moisture.
Characteristics:
- Productivity: Kashmir willows are known for their superior growth and productivity, attributed to their high capacity to convert solar radiation into chemical energy.
- Evapotranspiration: They exhibit high rates of evapotranspiration during the growing season.
- Flooding Tolerance: These trees are tolerant to flooding and can flourish in saturated soils with limited oxygen in the root zone.
- Metal Accumulation: Willows are efficient in accumulating high levels of toxic metals, especially Cadmium (Cd).
Uses:
- Cricket Bat Industry: Kashmir willow is highly prized for making cricket bats due to its specific wood characteristics that make it suitable for this purpose.
- Packing Case Industry: The wood is also used in the packing case industry.
- Basketry and Furniture: It finds applications in basketry and furniture industries, leveraging its flexibility and strength.
-Source: The Hindu
