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Teak

Teak, scientifically known as Tectona Grandis is a tropical tree species. It falls under the flowering plant family “Laminaceae”. It is a large, deciduous hardwood tree that grows in mixed hardwood forests. Tectona Grandis is an inhabitant species in South and Southeast Asia, specially India, Sri-Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar and Bangladesh, also cultivated in some parts of Africa and The Caribbean.

Characteristics

Having small fragrant flowers, these trees have large papery leaves that usually are furry on the lower surface. Often called as the "Burmese Teak", it releases leather like fume when freshly milled. Teak woods are extremely durable and water resistant and are commonly used for boat building, exteriors, veneer, furniture, carving, turnings, and other wood products.

Research and Studies

The molecular studies prove that the genetic origin of teak trees leads to India, Myanmar and Laos. Myanmar’s teak forests account for nearly half of the world’s naturally occurring teak.

Teaks natural oil makes it useful in exposed locations which make it resistant to termites and pest resistant. It is durable naturally i.e. it doesn’t need to be treated with oil or varnish. It is believed that older teaks are much more durable than the cultivated teaks. Studies have shown that plantation teak performs on par with old-growth teak in erosion rate, dimensional stability, warping, and surface checking, but is more susceptible to color change from UV exposure.

Features

Teak can grow up to 40 meters tall and has a grey / grayish brown branch. The leaves on the tree are ovular and measures 15 to 45 cm in length and 8 to 23 cm broad.

The heartwood of teak is brownish red in color and darkens as it gets old, and can have dark patches on it. The sapwood is whitish to pale yellowish brown in color, and can easily be separated from heartwood.