Phasi Wood used for jaggannath chariots.

Why in news?

• Odisha marked the day of Basant Panchami February 5, 2022, with a prayer ceremony to consecrate the logs used in the chariot of the deity Jagannath.
• But this year, most of the Phasi (Anogeissus acuminata) wood came from private land rather than forests, according to the state forest department.

About Phasi (Anogeissus acuminate) Wood

• It is a deciduous tree with a narrow crown and takes 50-60 years to mature.
• Range- India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam.
• Phasi trees are mostly found in the alluvial floodplain of the Mahanadi.
• Habitat – Tropical low land open forest or semi deciduous forests at elevations below 700 m.
• It is found particularly in deep, humus rich, loamy soils along streams or river banks.
• The trees for the chariot have to be pencil straight, six feet in girth and 12-14 feet in height. If the girth is less, they cannot be used.