The teak tree (Tectona grandis) has it’s genetic origins in south and southeast Asia. Also known as Burmese teak, Myanmar (formerly Burma) is the home of over half the world’s naturally growing teak forests. This is because Myanmar is the ideal habitat for Tectona grandis and the mixed hardwood forests provide ideal growing conditions.
Unfortunately, the natural production of the teak tree has come under threat in recent years. This is due to high demand because of natural teak wood properties such as high oil content, natural pest resistance, beautiful teak color, tight grain (tensile strength) and weather resistant properties. As a result, teak wood has long been a coveted species for manufacturing outdoor furniture and boats.
Teak Wood Plantation Production
Fortunately, the teak tree is adaptable to large fluctuations in rainfall and it can grow with as little as 500 ml annual rainfall or as much as 5000 ml per year. As a result, there are many equatorial regions which are ideal locations for a teak wood plantation. For example, excellent areas for cultivation exist in Central America, Equatorial Africa and throughout SE Asia. As a result, the gradual introduction of teak plantations is growing in suitable locations around the world.
The most sought after growing conditions exist in SE Asia. As a result, the vast majority of the world’s teak exports currently originate in Myanmar and Indonesia. However, the vast majority of commercially harvested teak wood is grown on plantations in Indonesia. Additionally all of the teak wood suppliers in Indonesia are strictly controlled by a government agency – Perum Perhutani. This may explain Indonesia’s strength in ecological sustainability and production.
Teak Plantations vs. Natural Teak Wood
There is a myth that teak grown on teak plantations is inferior to Burmese teak. Unfortunately, in some instances this may be true. Although this is mostly attributed to plantation owners being overzealous with the use of artificial fertilizers and irrigation practices. Since the teak tree is relatively fast growing the imposition of these artificial elements is not always necessary. In fact, by closely mimicking the natural growing conditions in Myanmar (Burma) it is possible to economically produce teak wood that is virtually identical to the strength, color and quality of Burmese teak wood.
Types of Teak Wood Trees
There are four forms of Tectona grandis. The other 3 very similar sub species exhibit mostly cosmetic differences. For example, a characteristic of Tectona grandis is that it usually exhibits soft hairs on the underside of the leaf.
However, in the 3 other forms of Tectona grandis there is a slight variation that results in densely canescent hair growth on the underside of the leaf. Additionally, the leaf veins apparently exhibit more hair on the predominant leaf veins than otherwise. Other than this there is no material difference in the teak color or other teak wood properties.
Additionally, there are three species of the genus Tectona. The other two species are known as Tectona hamiltoniana and Tectona philippinensis. However, Tectona grandis has a much wider natural range and it is endemic to Myanmar, India, Indonesia, NW Laos and N. Thailand. In contrast, the other two species only have small native distributions in Myanmar and the Philippines.
Teak Wood Tree Characteristics
The teak wood tree (Tectona grandis) grows up to 40 meters in height. The bark is grayish on the trunk and exhibits grayish brown coloration on the branches. Additionally, the bark has medicinal qualities and it can be used to treat various skin ailments, diabetes, constipation and bronchitis.
Tectona grandis is a deciduous tree which means that it loses it’s leaves annually. Additional characteristics include length of 6-18 inches and width from 3-9 inches. The shape of the teak wood leaves is ovate elliptic to ovate.
Teak Wood Characteristics
The texture of teak wood is hard and ring porous. The heartwood features a unique aroma when it has been freshly cut. Additionally, it features a brownish red coloration and it will get darker with age.
The sapwood is easily discernible from the heartwood. This is because of it’s whitish to pale yellowish coloration. Furthermore, teak wood can be further classified into A/B and C grades.This is not an exact science but A/B grades feature mostly heartwood with little variation in color. In contrast, the C grade teak wood will be a combination of heartwood and sapwood which gives it more color contrast. C grade teak wood has a similar coloration to hickory wood.
