Tectona grandis
Specifications
Family
Lamiaceae
Species
Tectona grandis L.f.
teak
Description
The sapwood is light yellow and the heartwood is brown, sometimes very dark and, after drying, golden brown with variegation. When fresh, it has a leathery odor. The texture is fine, the grain moderately straight, and the density varies from 0.58 to 0.75. The silica content of the tissues tests the blades of working tools. Mechanical strength is good and durability is excellent even under harsh conditions.
Plant morphology
Teak is a slow-growing deciduous tree with a thick, straight trunk that grows up to 40 m tall and 1.5 m in diameter. The lower trunk, beneath the lowest branches, can exceed 10 m. The leaves are opposite, very large (30 to 60 cm), oblong, and velvety. The white, fragrant flowers are gathered in inflorescences from which round, edible drupes develop.
Natural occurrence
Countries of origin and distribution
Southeast Asia: India, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, Bangladesh. Wilderness in Java, West Africa, and South America.
Habitat and ecology
A species widespread in tropical and subtropical forests, from the plains up to 700 m, including plantations. It requires deep, rich substrates, preferably alluvial.
Uses
Use class
CU1
CU2
CU3
CU4
CU5
Application areas
A favorite wood for shipbuilding, it is also used in building construction, window frames, floorboards, luxury and outdoor furniture, and acid containers.
Threats and Conservation
Threats
Demand for teak wood is very high. The main threat to the conservation of this species is overexploitation and illegal logging. These two factors lead to the risk of inbreeding and a decline in the regeneration rate of wild populations, given the reduced number of individuals of reproductive age. These problems are particularly evident in Myanmar, where forest cover has decreased by 20% since the 1990s.
Conservation measures
Conservation measures need to be more rigorously enforced and wild collection needs to be further regulated.
IUCN Red List
IUCN
EN - Endangered - At risk of extinction
CITES. Year of assessment
CITES
2021
1975
2050
CITES Italia • Ultimo aggiornamento
2021
Not present.
Technical data
Aesthetic characteristics
Grain
Obvious
Texture
Coarse
Physical and mechanical properties
Density
ρ
ρ
670
kg/m3
Radial shrinkage
Rad. sh.
Rad. sh.
26
MPa
Tangential shrinkage
Tang. sh.
Tang. sh.
47
MPa
Bending strength
M.O.R.
M.O.R.
98
MPa
Modulus of Elasticity
M.O.E.
M.O.E.
13740
MPa
Durability characteristics
Fungal resistance
Very durable
Insect resistance
Resistant
Miscellaneous
Given the conservation status of the species in nature, the use of this wood should be avoided.