View source for Teak

{{Short description|Tree species native to South and Southeast Asia}}
{{Other uses}}
{{Cleanup MOS|reason=page organization|date=August 2025}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Speciesbox
| name          = Teak
| image         = Starr 010304-0485 Tectona grandis.jpg
| image_caption = Teak foliage and fruits
| status        = EN
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref    = <ref name=IUCN>{{cite iucn |last1=Gua |first1=B. |last2=Pedersen |first2=A. |last3=Barstow |first3=M. |year=2022 |title=''Tectona grandis'' |volume=2022 |article-number=e.T62019830A62019832 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-2.RLTS.T62019830A62019832.en |access-date=29 January 2023}}</ref>
| genus         = Tectona
| species       = grandis
| authority     = [[Carl Linnaeus the Younger|L.f.]]
| synonyms_ref  = <ref name=powo>{{cite web|url=https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:864923-1|title=''Tectona grandis'' L.f. |work=Plants of the World Online |publisher=Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew |access-date=20 July 2024 }}</ref>
| synonyms      =
* ''Jatus grandis'' <small>(L.f.) Kuntze</small>
* ''Tectona grandis'' f. ''abludens '' <small>Koord. & Valeton</small>
* ''Tectona grandis'' f. ''canescens '' <small>Moldenke</small>
* ''Tectona grandis'' f. ''pilosula'' <small>Moldenke</small>
* ''Tectona grandis'' f. ''punctata'' <small>Moldenke</small>
* ''Tectona grandis'' f. ''tomentella '' <small>Moldenke</small>
* ''Tectona theca'' <small>Lour.</small>
}}

'''Teak''' ('''''Tectona grandis''''') is a tropical [[hardwood]] tree species in the family [[Lamiaceae]]. It is a large, [[deciduous]] tree that occurs in mixed hardwood forests. ''Tectona grandis'' has small, fragrant white flowers arranged in dense clusters ([[panicle]]s) at the end of the branches. These flowers contain both types of reproductive organs ([[Plant reproductive morphology#Bisexual|perfect]] flowers). The large, papery leaves of teak trees are often [[Trichome|hairy]] on the lower surface. Teak wood has a leather-like smell when it is freshly milled and is particularly valued for its durability and water resistance. The wood is used for boat building, exterior construction, veneer, furniture, carving, turnings, and various small projects.{{citation needed|date=July 2024}}

''Tectona grandis'' is native to [[South Asia|south]] and [[southeast Asia]], mainly [[Bangladesh]], [[India]], [[Indonesia]], [[Malaysia]], [[Myanmar]], [[Thailand]], and [[Sri Lanka]], but is naturalised and cultivated in many countries in [[Africa]] and the [[Caribbean]]. [[Myanmar]]'s teak forests account for nearly half of the world's naturally occurring teak.<ref name="Burmese Teak: Turning a new leaf">{{cite web|url=http://www.eastbysoutheast.com/burmese-teak-turning-a-new-leaf/|title=Burmese Teak: Turning a new leaf|author=William Feinberg|date=8 July 2013|publisher=East By South East|access-date=20 September 2015}}</ref> Molecular studies show that there are two centres of the genetic origin of teak: one in India and the other in Myanmar and [[Laos]].<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Verhaegen|first1=D.|first2=Inza Jesus|last2=Fofana|first3=Zénor A|last3=Logossa|first4=Daniel|last4=Ofori|title=What is the genetic origin of teak (''Tectona grandis'' L.) introduced in Africa and in Indonesia?|journal=Tree Genetics & Genomes |volume=6|issue=5|pages=717–733|year=2010|doi=10.1007/s11295-010-0286-x|s2cid=11220716|url=http://hal.cirad.fr/cirad-00846130/file/TGG6_5_.pdf}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|journal=Canadian Journal of Forest Research|year=2015|volume=45|issue=3|pages=297–306|title=AFLP markers for analysis of genetic diversity and structure of teak (''Tectona grandis'') in India|first1=Vivek|last1=Vaishnaw|first2=Naseer|last2=Mohammad|first3=Syed Arif|last3=Wali|first4=Randhir|last4=Kumar|first5=Shashi Bhushan|last5=Tripathi|first6=Madan Singh|last6=Negi|first7=Shamim Akhtar|last7=Ansari|doi=10.1139/cjfr-2014-0279 |bibcode=2015CaJFR..45..297V }}</ref>

== Description ==
Teak is a large [[deciduous]] tree up to {{convert|40|m|ft|0|abbr=on}} tall with grey to greyish-brown branches, known for its high-quality wood. Its leaves are [[leaf shape|ovate-elliptic]] to ovate, {{convert|15|-|45|cm|in|1|abbr=on}} long by {{convert|8|-|23|cm|in|1|abbr=on}} wide, and are held on robust [[petiole (botany)|petioles]] which are {{convert|2|-|4|cm|in|1|abbr=on}} long. [[Leaf margin]]s are entire.<ref name="FOC">[http://efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=200019434 ''Tectona grandis'']. ''Flora of China'' 17: 16. Accessed online: 17 December 2010.</ref>

Fragrant white flowers are borne on {{convert|25|-|40|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} long by {{convert|30|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} wide [[panicle]]s from June to August. The [[corolla (botany)|corolla]] tube is 2.5–3&nbsp;mm long with 2&nbsp;mm wide obtuse lobes. ''Tectona grandis'' sets fruit from September to December; fruits are globose and 1.2–1.8&nbsp;cm in diameter.<ref name="FOC" /> Flowers are weakly [[protandrous]] in that the [[anther]]s precede the [[stigma (botany)|stigma]] in maturity and pollen is shed within a few hours of the flower opening.<ref name="Tangmitcharoen and Owens">Tangmitcharoen, S. and J. N. Owens. 1996. [https://web.archive.org/web/20111001154516/http://aob.oxfordjournals.org/content/79/3/227.full.pdf+html Floral biology, pollination, pistil receptivity, and pollen tube growth of teak (''Tectona grandis'' Linn f.).] ''Annals of Botany'', 79(3): 227–241. {{doi|10.1006/anbo.1996.0317}}</ref> The flowers are primarily [[entomophily|entomophilous]] (insect-pollinated), but can occasionally be [[anemophily|anemophilous]] (wind-pollinated).<ref name="Bryndum & Hedegart">Bryndum, K. and T. Hedegart. 1969. Pollination of teak (''Tectona grandis'' Linn.f.). ''Silv. Genet.'' 18: 77–80.</ref> A 1996 study found that in its native range in Thailand, the major pollinators were species in the bee genus ''[[Ceratina]]''.<ref name="Tangmitcharoen and Owens" />

<gallery widths=200 heights=200>
File:Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, in the Mornings.JPG|Teak forest with large foliage in Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, India
File:Nilambur Teak Plantation 0666.jpg|Teak forest in Nilambur, India
File:Plants of the coast of Coromandel Coast Tamil Nadu Andhra Pradesh India Flora Fruits Flowers (54).jpg|Illustration showing detail of leaves, buds and flowers
File:Teak (Tectona grandis) flowers in Anantgiri, AP W2 IMG 8807.jpg|Flowers at [[Ananthagiri Hills]], in [[Rangareddy district]] of [[Telangana]], India
File:Flower, fruit & leaves (Tectona Grandis) I IMG 8818.jpg|Flower, fruit and leaves of teak in [[Kolkata]], [[West Bengal]], India
File:U Bain Bridge1.JPG|[[U Bein Bridge]] [[Amarapura]], [[Myanmar]]. The longest teak bridge in the world at {{convert|1.2|km|abbr=on}}.
File:Leaves of Tectona grandis (Teak).jpg|Leaves of teak in [[Nilambur]], [[Kerala]]
File:Hyblaea puera at Kadavoor.jpg|[[Hyblaea puera|Teak defoliator]] in [[Kerala]]
File:Philippine Teak (Tectona philippinensis)--an endangered and endemic tree 01.jpg|[[Philippine teak]]
</gallery>

===Wood===
Wood texture is hard and rings are porous. The density varies according to moisture content: at 15% moisture content it is 660&nbsp;kg/m{{sup|3}}.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Porter |first1=Brian |title=Carpentry and Joinery |date=2001 |publisher=Butterworth |isbn=978-1-138-16816-9 |pages=54 |edition=Third|volume=1}}</ref> The heartwood is yellowish to golden-brown. Sapwood is whitish to pale yellowish brown. It can easily separate from heartwood.{{citation needed|date=November 2015}} Teak darkens as it ages. There can be a large variation, depending on which region the teak is from. Old growth has much tighter rings than new growth.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Yardley |first1=Kevin |title=About Teak Wood |url=https://www.diamondtropicalhardwoods.com/teak |website=DiamondTropicalHardwoods.com |publisher=Diamond Tropical Hardwoods |access-date=17 November 2022}}</ref> There is a leather-like scent in newly cut wood.<ref name="pnh">{{cite book |last1=Hasluck |first1=Paul N |title=The Handyman's Guide: Essential Woodworking Tools and Techniques |date=1987 |publisher=Skyhorse |location=New York |isbn=978-1-60239-173-4 |pages=174–5}}</ref>

== Botanical history ==
''Tectona grandis'' was first formally described by [[Carl Linnaeus the Younger]] in his 1782 work ''[[Supplementum Plantarum]]''.<ref name="IPNI">{{IPNI|id=864923-1|access-date=17 December 2010}}</ref> In 1975, [[Harold Norman Moldenke]] published new descriptions of four [[form (botany)|forms]] of this species in the journal ''[[Phytologia]]''. Moldenke described each form as varying slightly from the [[biological type|type specimen]]: ''T.&nbsp;grandis'' f. ''canescens'' is distinguished from the type material by being densely [[wikt:canescent|canescent]] or covered in hairs, on the underside of the leaf, ''T.&nbsp;grandis'' f. ''pilosula'' is distinct from the type material in the varying morphology of the leaf veins, ''T.&nbsp;grandis'' f. ''punctata'' is only hairy on the larger veins on the underside of the leaf, and ''T.&nbsp;grandis'' f. ''tomentella'' is noted for its dense yellowish [[wikt:tomentose|tomentose]] hairs on the lower surface of the leaf.<ref name="Moldenke">Moldenke, H. N. 1975. [https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/13038500 Notes on new and noteworthy plants. LXXVII.] ''Phytologia'', 31: 28.</ref>

==Etymology==
The word ''teak'' derives from the [[Portuguese language|Portuguese]] {{lang|pt|teca}} from [[Malayalam]] {{transliteration|ml|thekku}} (cognate with [[Tamil language|Tamil]] {{transliteration|ta|tekku}}, [[Telugu language|Telugu]] {{transliteration|te|teku}}, and [[Kannada language|Kannada]] {{transliteration|kn|tegu}}), and was first used in English in the 1690s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.etymonline.com/word/teak|title=Teak|publisher=Online Etymology Dictionary, Douglas Harper|date=2025|access-date=16 November 2025}}</ref>

== Distribution and habitat ==
''Tectona grandis'' is one of three species in the genus ''Tectona''. The other two species, ''[[Tectona hamiltoniana|T.&nbsp;hamiltoniana]]'' and ''[[Tectona philippinensis|T.&nbsp;philippinensis]]'', are [[endemism|endemics]] with relatively small native distributions in [[Myanmar]] and the [[Philippines]], respectively.<ref name=Tewari>Tewari, D. N. 1992. ''A Monograph on Teak (''Tectona grandis'' Linn.f.)''. International Book Distributors.</ref> ''Tectona&nbsp;grandis'' is native to [[India]], [[Bangladesh]], [[Sri Lanka]], [[Indonesia]], [[Myanmar]], northern [[Thailand]], and northwestern [[Laos]].<ref name="FOC" /><ref name="Tangmitcharoen and Owens" />

''Tectona grandis'' is found in a variety of habitats and climatic conditions from arid areas with only {{Convert|500|mm|abbr=on}} of rain per year to very moist forests with up to {{Convert|5,000|mm|abbr=on}} of rain per year. Typically, though, the annual rainfall in areas where teak grows averages {{Convert|1,250–1,650|mm|abbr=on}} with a 3–5 month dry season.<ref name="Kaosa-ard">Kaosa-ard, A. 1981. Teak its natural distribution and related factors. ''Natural History Bulletin of the Siam Society'', 29: 55–74.</ref>

== Cultivation ==
[[File:Teak plant 2024.jpg|thumb|Teak in Ghana]]
Teak's natural [[Vegetable oil|oil]]s make it useful in exposed locations and make the timber termite- and pest-resistant.  Teak is durable even when not treated with oil or varnish. Timber cut from old teak trees was once believed to be more durable and harder than plantation-grown teak. 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 colour change from UV exposure.<ref>{{Cite journal|url= http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2001/willi01d.pdf|last1= Williams|first1=R. Sam|last2=Miller|first2=Regis|year=2001|title=Characteristics of Ten Tropical Hardwoods from Certified Forests in Bolivia |journal=Wood and Fiber Science |volume=33|issue=4|pages=618–626}}</ref>

The vast majority of commercially harvested teak is grown on teak plantations found in [[Indonesia]] and controlled by [[Perum Perhutani]] (a state-owned forest enterprise) that manages the country's forests. The primary use of teak harvested in Indonesia is in the production of outdoor teak furniture for export. [[Nilambur]] in [[Kerala]], India, is also a major producer of teak and is home to the world's oldest teak plantation.<ref name="Teak Museum: Nalimbur">{{cite web|url=http://www.kfri.org/html/k1000mus.htm |title=Teak Museum: Nilambur |author=KRFI.org |publisher=Web Archive |access-date=20 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060928001233/http://www.kfri.org/html/k1000mus.htm |archive-date=28 September 2006 }}</ref>

Teak consumption raises several environmental concerns, such as the disappearance of rare old-growth teak. However, its popularity has led to growth in sustainable plantation teak production throughout the seasonally dry tropics in [[forestry]] [[plantation]]s. The [[Forest Stewardship Council]] offers certification of sustainably grown and harvested teak products. Propagation of teak via tissue culture for plantation purposes is commercially viable.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}

Teak plantations were widely established in [[Equatorial Africa]] during the [[Colonisation of Africa|Colonial era]]. These timber resources, as well as the oil reserves, are at the heart of the current (2014) [[South Sudan#Economy|South Sudan]]ese conflict.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://africanarguments.org/2013/03/14/is-all-well-in-the-teak-forests-of-south-sudan-by-aly-verjee/|title=Is all well in the teak forests of South Sudan? – By Aly Verjee|date=14 March 2013}}</ref>

Much of the world's teak is exported by [[Indonesia]] and [[Myanmar]]. There is also a rapidly growing plantation-grown market in Central America ([[Costa Rica]]) and [[South America]]. With a depletion of remaining natural hectares of teak forests, growth in plantations in Latin America is expected to rise.<ref name="Investing in Teak: The Market">{{cite web|url=https://www.catf.lu/investing-in-catf/the-market/|title=Investing in Teak: The Market|author=Central American Timber Fund |publisher=Central American Timber Fund|access-date=20 September 2015}}</ref>

''[[Hyblaea puera]]'', commonly known as the teak defoliator, is a [[moth]] native to southeast Asia. It is a teak pest whose [[caterpillar]] feeds on teak and other species of trees common in the region of Southeast Asia.<ref>
{{cite web
| title=''Hyblaea puera''
| last=Herbison-Evans
| first=Don
| publisher=University of Technology, [[Sydney]]
| url=http://linus.socs.uts.edu.au/~don/larvae/hybl/puera.html
| access-date=2008-03-12
| date=2007-09-06
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080724111814/http://linus.socs.uts.edu.au/~don/larvae/hybl/puera.html <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2008-07-24}}
</ref>

== Uses ==
Teak's high oil content, high tensile strength, and tight grain make it particularly suitable where weather resistance is desired. It is used in the manufacture of outdoor [[teak furniture|furniture]] and boat [[deck (ship)|deck]]s.  It is also used for [[cutting board]]s, indoor [[flooring]], [[countertop]]s, and as a [[Wood veneer|veneer]] for indoor finishings. Although easily worked, it can cause severe blunting on edged tools because of the presence of silica in the wood.  Over time teak can weather to a silvery-grey finish, especially when exposed to sunlight.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.williamsskiandpatio.com/page.cfm/patiocareguide.html |title=Outdoor Patio Furniture Maintenance Guide |access-date=2014-02-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140222144154/http://www.williamsskiandpatio.com/page.cfm/patiocareguide.html |archive-date=22 February 2014}}</ref>

Teak is used extensively in India to make doors and window frames, furniture, and columns, and beams in homes. It is resistant to [[termite]] attacks and damage caused by other [[insect]]s. Mature teak fetches a very good price. It is grown extensively by forest departments of different states in forest areas. It was also used in the construction of the [[Kaaba]] in the [[Masjid al-Haram]] of Mecca, which is the holiest structure in the Islamic faith.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://english.alarabiya.net/features/2016/12/09/49-pieces-of-the-world-s-most-powerful-wood-hold-the-Kaaba |title=49 pieces of the world's most powerful wood hold the Kaaba |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=9 December 2016|website=Al Arabiya English |publisher=[[Al Arabiya]] |access-date=27 May 2023 |quote=The roof of the Kaaba is held by 49 piece of teak wood brought from Burma and processed in Jeddah. They were evenly distributed on the walls of the Kaaba.}}</ref>

Leaves of the teak wood tree are used in making Pellakai gatti ([[jackfruit]] dumpling), where [[Batter (cooking)|batter]] is poured into a teak leaf and steamed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.teakhardwoods.com/teak|title=Teak: A Dwindling Natural Resource - Teak Hardwoods}}</ref> This type of usage is found in the coastal district of [[Udupi]] in the [[Tulunadu]] region in South [[India]]. The leaves are also used in [[gudeg]], a dish of young jackfruit made in [[Central Java]], [[Indonesia]], and give the dish its dark brown colour.

Teak is used as a food plant by the [[larva]]e of [[moth]]s of the genus ''[[Endoclita]]'' including ''[[Endoclita aroura|E. aroura]]'', ''[[Endoclita chalybeatus|E. chalybeatus]]'', ''[[Endoclita damor|E. damor]]'', ''[[Endoclita gmelina|E. gmelina]]'', ''[[Endoclita malabaricus|E. malabaricus]]'', ''[[Endoclita sericeus|E. sericeus]]'' and ''[[Endoclita signifer|E. signifer]]'' other [[Lepidoptera]] including the [[turnip moth]].

<gallery widths=200 heights=200>
File:Teak-tafel-oud-hout-close-up.jpg|Teak table
File:Fauteuil de jardin en teck (brut et huilé).JPG|Teak garden armchairs
File:McIntosh Teak Fold-Over Top with Nest of Tables.jpg|Teak nested tables
File:U Pein Bridge Myanmar 09.jpg|The [[U Bein Bridge]] in [[Myanmar]] is made from reclaimed teak wood.
File:LNER teak coaches.jpg|The [[London and North Eastern Railway|LNER]] uses teak for their [[Coaches of the London and North Eastern Railway|coaches]] until 1942; when the [[Edward Thompson (engineer)|Thompson]] all-steel coaches are introduced, both kinds coexist.
</gallery>

=== Boatbuilding ===
[[File:Teak Tree.JPG|thumb|Teak tree in [[Panchkhal]] valley in [[Nepal]]]]

Teak has been used as a [[Boat building|boatbuilding]] material for over 2000 years (it was found in an archaeological dig in [[Berenice Panchrysos]], a port on the [[Indo-Roman trade relations|Indian Roman trade route]]).<ref>Steven E. Sidebotham, Berenike and the Ancient Maritime Spice Route, Univ. of California Press, 2011.</ref> In addition to relatively high strength, teak is also highly resistant to rot,<ref name="rot-citation">{{cite book|title=Yachting|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=0_xGugJddRQC&pg=PA46|date=February 2004|pages=46–|issn=0043-9940}}</ref> fungi, and mildew. The wood has a relatively low shrinkage ratio,<ref name="Understanding Wood: A Craftsman'S Guide To Wood Technology - Chapter 6 pg.118">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5HBH2ibu-ZwC&q=teak+shrinkage+ratio&pg=PA118|title= Understanding Wood: A Craftsman'S Guide To Wood Technology – Chapter 6 pg.118 |author=R. Bruce Hoadley|access-date=14 October 2015|isbn= 978-1-56158-358-4 |year= 2000 |publisher= Taunton Press }}</ref> which makes it excellent for applications where it undergoes periodic changes in moisture. Teak has the unusual property of being both an excellent structural timber for framing or planking, while at the same time being easily worked and finished, unlike some otherwise similar woods such as [[purpleheart]].<ref name="Tangerman1973">{{cite book|author=Elmer John Tangerman|title=The Big Book of Whittling and Woodcarving|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9TbjAPdGoP0C&pg=PA180|year=1973|publisher=Courier Corporation|isbn=978-0-486-26171-3|pages=180–}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|title=MotorBoating|journal = Motor Boating (New York, N.Y. 2000)|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aFKnZv1sgrwC&pg=PA38|date=April 1912|pages=38–|issn=1531-2623}}</ref> For this reason, it is also prized for the trim work on boat interiors. Due to the oily nature of the wood, care must be taken to properly prepare the wood before gluing.<ref name="Magazines1985">{{cite journal|author=Hearst Magazines|title=Popular Mechanics|journal=Popular Mechanics |url=https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_YOQDAAAAMBAJ|date=March 1985|publisher=Hearst Magazines|pages=[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_YOQDAAAAMBAJ/page/n124 125]–|issn=0032-4558}}</ref>

When used on boats, teak is also very flexible in the finishes that may be applied. One option is to use no finish at all, in which case the wood will naturally weather to a pleasing silver grey.<ref name="Teak-wearing" /> The wood may also be oiled with a finishing agent such as [[linseed oil|linseed]] or [[tung oil|tung]] oil.<ref name="Spectre1995">{{cite book|author=Peter H. Spectre|title=Painting & Varnishing|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=39_3NAZduxAC&pg=PA15|year=1995|publisher=WoodenBoat Books|isbn=978-0-937822-33-3|pages=15–}}</ref> This results in a somewhat dull finish. Finally, teak may also be varnished for a deep, lustrous glow.

Teak is also used extensively in boat [[Deck (ship)|decks]], as it is extremely durable but requires regular maintenance.  The teak tends to wear into the softer 'summer' growth bands first, forming a natural 'non-slip' surface.<ref name="Teak-wearing">{{cite book|title=The Woodenboat|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mmVWAAAAMAAJ|year=2001|publisher=J. J. Wilson}}</ref> Any sanding is therefore only damaging. The use of modern cleaning compounds, oils, or preservatives will shorten the life of the teak, as it contains natural teak oil a very small distance below the white surface. Wooden boat experts will only wash the teak with salt water, and re-[[caulk]] when needed. This cleans the deck and prevents it from drying out and the wood shrinking. The salt helps it absorb and retain moisture and prevents any mildew and algal growth. Over-maintenance, such as cleaning teak with harsh chemicals, can shorten its usable lifespan as decking.<ref name="rot-citation" /> Teak has been used by the U.S. Navy for ship decks, such as the [[Iowa-class battleship]]  [[USS Missouri (BB-63)|USS Missouri]], to protect against sparks caused by metal rubbing on metal, and as insulation to avoid the interior of the ship getting too hot.<ref name="USS Missouri">{{cite web |last1=Logico |first1=Mark |title=Rebuilding Battleship Missouri Teak |url=https://allhands.navy.mil/Stories/Display-Story/Article/1839995/rebuilding-battleship-missouri-teak/ |website=All hands: Magazine of the U.S. Navy |publisher=United States Navy |access-date=13 April 2025}}</ref>

==Propagation==
[[File:Seed of teek - 4.jpg|thumb|Seed of teek]]
[[File:Tree in new leaves (Tectona grandis) I IMG 8133.jpg|thumb|Tree in new leaves in [[Kolkata]], [[West Bengal]], India]]

Teak is propagated mainly from seeds. Germination of the seeds involves pretreatment to remove dormancy arising from the thick pericarp. Pretreatment involves alternate wetting and drying of the seed. The seeds are soaked in water for 12 hours and then spread to dry in the sun for 12 hours. This is repeated for 10–14 days and then the seeds are sown in shallow germination beds of coarse peat covered by sand. The seeds then germinate after 15 to 30 days.<ref>Kadambi, K. (1972). Silviculture and management of Teak. Bulletin 24 School of Forestry, Stephen F. Austin State University Nacogdoches, Texas</ref><ref>B. Robertson (2002) Growing Teak in the Top End of the NT. Agnote. No. G26 [http://www.nt.gov.au/d/Content/File/p/General/812.pdf PDF] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090226073253/http://www.nt.gov.au/d/Content/File/p/General/812.pdf |date=26 February 2009 }}</ref>

Clonal propagation of teak has been successfully done through grafting, rooted stem cuttings, and micropropagation. While bud grafting onto seedling root stock has been the method used for establishing clonal seed orchards that enables assemblage of clones of the superior trees to encourage crossing, rooted stem cuttings and micro propagated plants are being increasingly used around the world for raising clonal plantations.<ref name="Clonal Propagation of Teak (Tectona grandis linn.f.">{{cite web|url=https://www.lap-publishing.com/catalog/details//store/gb/book/978-3-659-17205-2/clonal-propagation-of-teak-tectona-grandis-linn-f|title=Clonal Propagation of Teak (''Tectona grandis'' Linn.f.|author=Azamal Husen|publisher=LAP Lambert Academic Publishing|access-date=20 September 2015|archive-date=30 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930210108/https://www.lap-publishing.com/catalog/details//store/gb/book/978-3-659-17205-2/clonal-propagation-of-teak-tectona-grandis-linn-f}}</ref>

== Illegal logging ==
{{See also|Teak in Myanmar}}
[[Illegal logging]] is prevalent in countries with natural teak forests, including India and Burma.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-11-23 |title=UPDATE: Southeast Asian Teak Bans Go into Effect |url=https://www.escapeartist.com/blog/update-southeast-asian-teak-bans-go-into-effect/ |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=Escape Artist |language=en-US}}</ref>

Since 1989, the state-owned [[Myanma Timber Enterprise]] has run the country's logging industry.<ref name="ASEAN Today">{{Cite web |date=2020-05-07 |title=Myanmar's illegal timber trade continues despite COVID-19 |url=https://www.aseantoday.com/2020/05/myanmars-illegal-timber-trade-continues-despite-covid-19/ |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=ASEAN Today |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2014, Myanmar's government imposed a strict ban on exporting wild-grown teak logs.<ref name="History">{{Cite web |date=2020-08-05 |title=After a century of logging, Myanmar struggles to preserve its teak groves |url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/after-century-logging-myanmar-struggles-preserve-teak-groves |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416201135/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/after-century-logging-myanmar-struggles-preserve-teak-groves |archive-date=16 April 2021 |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=History |language=en}}</ref> In 2015, 153 Chinese loggers were sentenced to life in prison for illegal logging.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2015-07-23 |title=Myanmar jails 153 Chinese illegal loggers for life |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33632291 |access-date=2023-03-27}}</ref> Illegal teak logging persists, especially in contested areas.<ref name="History" /> While it is illegal for timber to be exported via land borders, 95% of Myanmar's teak enters China through the [[China–Myanmar border]].<ref name="ASEAN Today" />

Since the [[2021 Myanmar coup d'état]], illegal logging of teak and tamalan trees has surged in Sagaing Region, predominantly in key contested battlegrounds, including [[Kani Township|Kani]], [[Yinmabin Township|Yinmabin]], [[Kanbalu Township|Kantbalu]], [[Indaw Township|Indaw]], and [[Banmauk Township|Banmauk townships]].<ref name="Frontier Myanmar">{{Cite web |last=Frontier |date=2023-03-27 |title='No one can stop it': Illegal logging surges in Myanmar's conflict zones |url=https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/no-one-can-stop-it-illegal-logging-surges-in-myanmars-conflict-zones/ |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=Frontier Myanmar |language=en-US}}</ref> Both the Burmese military and resistance groups have profited from the illegal logging trade.<ref name="Frontier Myanmar" /> Smugglers transport the wood to India to circumvent [[economic sanctions]] and use the Myanma Timber Enterprise to license the wood as being sourced from permitted areas.<ref name="Frontier Myanmar" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-03-07 |title=From Taiwan to Turkey and beyond: How Deforestation Inc exposed the teak trade from Myanmar |url=https://www.icij.org/investigations/deforestation-inc/from-taiwan-to-turkey-and-beyond-how-deforestation-inc-exposed-the-teak-trade-from-myanmar/ |access-date=2023-03-27 |website=ICIJ |language=en-US}}</ref>

=== EU regulation ===
The regulation that addresses the import of timber, including teak, into the EU from unknown or illegal sources is the '''EU Timber Regulation (EUTR) No. 995/2010'''. This regulation aims to prevent the trade of illegally harvested timber and timber products within the EU market. It places an obligation on operators who place timber and timber products on the EU market to ensure they are legally harvested.

This regulation specifically applies to '''teak''' and other high-risk timber species, particularly those sourced from countries with poor forest governance or illegal logging activities. Myanmar, for example, has been a focus due to concerns over illegal teak harvesting from there.<ref>{{Citation |title=Regulation (EU) No 995/2010 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 October 2010 laying down the obligations of operators who place timber and timber products on the market |date=2010-10-20 |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32010R0995 |access-date=2024-12-27 |language=en}}</ref>

== World's largest living teak tree ==
[[Ministry of Environmental Conservation and Forestry (Myanmar)]] found the world's two biggest living teak trees on 28 August 2017 in [[Homalin Township]], [[Sagaing Region]], [[Myanmar]]. The biggest one, named Homemalynn 1, is {{cvt|8.4|m}} in diameter and {{cvt|34|m}} tall. The second biggest one, named Homemalynn 2, is {{cvt|8.2|m}} in diameter.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mmtimes.com/news/sagaing-region-may-be-home-worlds-largest-teak-tree.html |title=Sagaing Region may be home to world's largest teak tree |author=Khin Su Wai |website=[[The Myanmar Times]] |date=5 September 2017 |access-date=27 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807225004/https://www.mmtimes.com/news/sagaing-region-may-be-home-worlds-largest-teak-tree.html |archive-date=7 August 2020 |url-status=usurped}}</ref>

Previously, the world's biggest recorded teak tree was located within the [[Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary]] in the [[Palakkad District]] of [[Kerala]] in India, named Kannimara. The tree is approximately {{Convert|47.5|m|ft}} tall. Its age is between 450 and 500 years and is considered one of the oldest teak trees in the world.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Nagarajan|first1=Binai|last2=Meena|first2=Desha|last3=Singh|first3=Sarvesh|last4=Daniel|first4=A.|last5=Jesubalan|first5=D.|date=October 2010|title=Kannimara teak: An extant forest genetic resource|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/295227084|journal=Current Science|volume=99|via=[[ResearchGate]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Parambikulam|url=https://palakkad.nic.in/tourist-place/parambikulam/|access-date=2021-09-20|website=www.palakkad.nic.in}}</ref>

In 2017, a tree was discovered in the Ottakallan area of the Thundathil range of the Malayattoor Forest Division in Kerala with a girth of {{Convert|7.65|m|ft}} and a height of {{Convert|40|m|ft}}.<ref name="The New Indian Express">{{Cite news|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/2012/sep/17/mother-of-all-teak-trees-near-malayattoor--407052.html|title=Mother of all Teak trees near Malayattoor|work=The New Indian Express|access-date=2018-10-25}}</ref> A teak tree in Kappayam, Edamalayar, Kerala, which used to be considered the biggest, has a girth of 7.23 metres.<ref name="The New Indian Express" />

Tree No. 23 is the oldest planted teak on Earth. It is located in Conolly's plot (the world's oldest teak plantation), [[Nilambur]], Kerala.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Shrivastava|first1=Kumar Sambhav|last2=VENUGOPAL|first2=P N|last3=Mahapatra|first3=Richard|date=15 November 2011|title=Fall of the paragon|url=https://www.downtoearth.org.in/coverage/fall-of-the-paragon-34341|access-date=2021-09-21|website=[[Down to Earth (magazine)|Down to Earth]]}}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Tectona grandis|Teak (''Tectona grandis'')}}
{{NSRW poster|wstitle=Teak}}
{{WestAfricanPlants|Tectona grandis}}
* U.S. Forest Products Lab: [http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/TechSheets/Chudnoff/SEAsian_Oceanic/htmlDocs_SEAsian/tectonagrandis.html USDA Forest Service]; {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130224044926/http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/TechSheets/Chudnoff/SEAsian_Oceanic/htmlDocs_SEAsian/tectonagrandis.html |date=24 February 2013 }}

{{Indonesia topics}}
{{Forestry}}
{{Woodworking}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q156938}}

[[Category:Lamiaceae]]
[[Category:Plants described in 1782]]
[[Category:Flora of the Indomalayan realm|Tectona grandis]]
[[Category:Flora of the Indian subcontinent|Tectona grandis]]
[[Category:Flora of Indo-China|Tectona grandis]]
[[Category:National symbols of Indonesia|Tectona grandis]]
[[Category:Wood]]
[[Category:Forestry in Indonesia]]
[[Category:Forestry in Myanmar]]
[[Category:Plant dyes]]