Sal is of deciduous origin with a height of about 50 meters high and a stem circumference up to 5 m. It is an imperative non-timber product and covers almost 14% of the total forest area of the country. Sal is native to India and is chiefly found growing throughout. It is even found stretching from Myanmar in the east to Nepal, India and Bangladesh.

The leaves of the Sal tree are an important source for the production of leaf plates and bowls called patravali in India and Nepal. Tableware are made from plucked or fallen leaves, making it a sustainable source of products. The used tableware can be easily disposed. They are even compostable in a home environment . The tree has therefore protected northern India from a flood of Styrofoam and plastic plates that would have caused tremendous pollution.