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.

Teak (Tectona grandis) FAQs

Q1. What is the botanical name of teak?
Ans. The botanical name of teak is Tectona grandis, a tropical hardwood tree species.

Q2. Where is teak naturally found in India?
Ans. Teak is native to the deciduous forests of central and southern India, especially in states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Kerala.

Q3. Why is teak economically important?
Ans. Teak is valued for its durable and water-resistant timber, widely used in furniture and shipbuilding.

Source: DTE