Koroch or Kures, Dalbergia reniformis

Koroch or Kures (Dalbergia reniformis, family: Fabaceae) is a small or medium-sized bushy tree with spreading branches, attaining a height of 10-13 m. The water-loving tree is native to Bangladesh. The stem and branches are brownish. In the country, it is found throughout the Haors of Netrokona, Sunamgonj and Sylhet districts. It is one of the dominant trees of Sylhet's Ratargul Swamp Forest. It is also found in the wetlands of  India and Myanmar too. The plant has great adaptability to survive almost half-submerged in water. It can remain in this condition for about 6 months! This is one of the most remarkable and strongest characteristics of the tree among the plant world.

Leaves are dark green, whitish green beneath, glabrous, compound, 15-32 cm long, imparipinnate; leaflets 7-9, entire, petiolate, oblong-lanceolate, 6-10 cm and 3-5 cm wide with rounded base and acute apex, alternate, coriaceous. New leaves are ovate, shiny and light green with bending apex.

Flowers are white, in axillary inflorescence, 10-13 cm long, rachis brown-pubescent, calyx campanulate, 5-lobed; Corolla clawed; Stamens 10. Flowers come in spring. 

Pods are glabrous, 2-5-3 cm long and .5-.7 cm wide. Ripe fruits are fleshy, joints reniform; usually 1-seeded but also 2-seeded sometimes. Seeds are also reniform. The plant is propagated by seeds.

The tree protects the habitat from strong winds. Apart from this, soil erosion is also prevented. Wood is used as fuel. Due to the shape of the ripe fruits and seeds, the word reniformis is added to the last part of its binominal name.

Although it can be seen in India and Myanmar, the tree is becoming very limited in the natural environment of Bangladesh day by day. IUCN marks the rare tree by 'vulnerable'. Many people in the country mistakenly confuse it with Koronja. When the haor is completely submerged in water, another water-tolerant tree, the Hijol, is seen as its real companion.