sæla

Sâla is a term used in several languages and contexts. In botanical usage, it most often denotes the sal tree, particularly Shorea robusta, a large evergreen native to the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. The diacritic form sâla appears in transliteration from languages that mark vowel length, and may be used in reference to the same tree or to related terms.

The sal tree grows in tropical forests and is valued for its durable timber and resin. Its wood is used in construction, furniture, and carpentry, while resin from sal-producing species is used in varnishes and traditional medicines. The sal forest community is ecologically important in Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and adjoining regions, supporting biodiversity and local livelihoods.

In onomastics and toponymy, sâla may occur as a personal name or a place name in some languages, reflecting regional linguistic practices and the influence of the tree's cultural presence. Spelling with diacritics varies by language and transliteration system.

Etymologically, the term is linked to Sanskrit forms such as sāla or śāl, names for the tree in classical texts, later entering vernacular languages as sal or sāl. The usage and meaning of sâla thus depend on regional linguistic tradition.