Fuelwood Characteristics of Some Firewood Trees and Shrubs of Eastern Himalaya, India

Abstract Quantitative analysis of 19 indigenous fuelwood species of Eastern Himalaya, India was carried out to identify trees with potential for firewood production. A fuelwood value index was the criteria for screening of the species and defined as the calorific value X density/ash content. Over-all rank sum index of the major firewood species was also assessed on the basis of firewood characteristics, fuelwood production, and availability in the region. The results showed that Castanopsis indica, Phoebe attenuata, Macropanax undulatum, Ixonanthes khasiana, Morus laevigata, Caryota urens, Lithocarpus elegans, and Litsea laeta are the most preferred firewood species.