Desi Teak, commonly known as Indian Teak (Tectona grandis), is a large deciduous tree native to South Asia, particularly India, Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand. It is renowned for its high-quality wood, which is one of the most valuable and durable timbers in the world. Teak wood is widely used for making furniture, boats, and other items that require resistance to water and pests.

Key Features of Desi Teak Wood Plants (Tectona grandis):

1. Appearance:

   • Height: Teak trees can grow up to 30–40 meters in height under optimal conditions. They have a straight, tall trunk that can be up to 1.5 meters in diameter.
   • Leaves: The leaves of teak trees are large, ovate, and rough to the touch, with a distinctive hairy underside. They can grow up to 30–60 cm in length and 20–40 cm in width, often turning yellow before falling during the dry season.
   • Bark: The bark is gray to brown and becomes deeply fissured as the tree matures.
   • Flowers and Fruits: Teak trees produce small, white to pale lilac flowers in dense clusters, usually during the monsoon season. The fruit is a drupe, round in shape, with a leathery outer covering that protects the seeds.

2. Growth Conditions:

   • Climate: Teak thrives in tropical and subtropical climates with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 43°C. It requires a distinct dry season of at least three months for proper growth, which helps in natural leaf shedding and contributes to the development of good-quality wood.
   • Soil: Teak grows best in deep, well-drained, fertile soils with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.5 to 7.5). It prefers sandy loam, loam, and clay loam soils. The presence of calcium in the soil can enhance the quality of teak wood.

3. Propagation:

   • Seeds: Teak is commonly propagated through seeds. The seeds are collected from mature fruits, which are then dried and treated to break dormancy before sowing. Seedlings are raised in nurseries for about 1–2 years before transplanting to the field.
   • Vegetative Propagation: Teak can also be propagated using vegetative methods such as root cuttings, stem cuttings, and tissue culture, which help maintain the genetic characteristics of superior trees.

4. Growth Requirements:

   • Sunlight: Teak requires full sunlight for optimal growth. It grows well in open areas where it receives direct sunlight throughout the day.
   • Watering: While teak is drought-tolerant once established, it requires regular watering during the initial stages of growth. An annual rainfall of 1,200 to 2,500 mm is ideal for teak plantations, but the trees must be protected from waterlogging.

5. Uses:

   • Timber: Teak wood is highly valued for its durability, resistance to decay, and ability to withstand extreme weather conditions. It is used extensively in the construction of outdoor furniture, boats, decks, flooring, and high-end carpentry and cabinetry.
   • Boat Building: Due to its natural oils and water-resistant properties, teak is a preferred wood for shipbuilding, particularly for decks and railings.
   • Ornamental and Shade Tree: Teak is also planted as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks and used as a shade tree in plantations.