Man belongs to the earth which has unstintingly given her myriad gifts to him. One of the gifts she has entrusted to man's care is trees. The four stamps depict trees found in various parts of India. The SAL (SHOREA ROBUSTA ROXB) belongs to the genus 'Shorea', resiniferous trees found in India, the Malaysian Peninsula and South East Asia. Covering 13.3% of the total forest area in India, it is valued for its timber. It attains a height of 18-30 m. A large decidous tree with longitudinal cracks on its bark, it has long ovate leaves and pale yellow flowers, covered with soft white hair, scattered on the stalk. Sal finds mention even in the Ramayana and mahabharata and in Kalidasa's 'Ritu-samhar' and 'Meghadoota'.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India