Teak (Tectona grandis)

Teak (Tectona grandis) Latest News

Tissue-cultured teak is being promoted as a high-yield, fast-return solution to boost India’s timber cultivation and trade, raising debates about its productivity, economic viability, and ecological sustainability.

About Teak (Tectona grandis)

• Teak (Tectona grandis) is globally valued for its durability, strength, and resistance to pests and water, earning it the title of “king of timbers”.
• It is one of the world’s most valuable tropical hardwoods, extensively used in shipbuilding, construction, furniture, flooring, and musical instruments.
• India holds 35% of the world’s planted teak forests, with Asia accounting for over 95% of global teak resources.
• As per the FAO Global Teak Resources and Market Assessment 2022, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra have the largest areas of native teak forests.

Geographic Distribution

• Native to South and Southeast Asia, especially India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Indonesia.
• In India, teak is found in states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and the Northeast region.
• Grows primarily in moist deciduous and mixed deciduous forests.
• Prefers well-drained soils and full sunlight; can grow up to 30–40 meters in height and live for hundreds of years.

Ecological and Structural Characteristics

• Large, deciduous tree with a straight, cylindrical trunk (1–1.5 m diameter).
• Leaves: Oblong, glossy, dark green; arranged in opposite pairs.
• Flowers: Small, white/cream, fragrant, borne in clusters.
• Wood colour: Golden brown to dark brown.
• Ecological role: Supports wildlife and biodiversity in native ecosystems.

Regulatory Context

• Green felling (commercial harvesting of trees) is prohibited in government forests under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980, and National Forest Policy, 1988.
• Hence, private teak plantations are key to meeting domestic and export demands.

Source: DTE

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