Tectona grandis Seeds | Teak Tree Teak Wood
LATIN NAME: Tectona grandis
COMMON NAME: Teak
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, Teak (Tectona grandis) is a tall, deciduous, fast-growing tree in the mint family. Teak raises its tall, straight trunk and broad, golden-brown leaves, and small, white flowers open in loose heads. It is a tree of open, sunny, deep, moist, rich ground. During flowering it gives bees and other insects a dependable food source. It is hard to name another plant that gives this much for this little trouble.
Science & Biotechnology
Research touching on Tectona grandis ranges from the botany of the mint family to practical horticulture, including seed handling, propagation and the selection of superior forms. Gardeners benefit directly from its long cultivation: what the plant will do in a garden is well understood.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Teak has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. Teak is a fine, stately tree of warm land and study collection. It is a fine, stately tree of open, sunny, deep, moist, rich garden. Give young tree warm, sheltered spot for the first years, and the trunk will rise in the long run. Establishment is uncomplicated, and afterwards ordinary care suffices.
Teak is the king of timbers, its oily heartwood defying rot for centuries; in Ayurveda the leaves and wood have folk records, but the world’s forests know it for durability.
Growing from Seed
Starting Teak from seed is simple and satisfying. Level a tray of loose seed compost, sow evenly, cover to about the seed’s own depth, and keep it moist in full light. Prick the seedlings out once they are large enough to handle, grow them on in bright light, and plant out when conditions allow.
Our Take
Teak settles in quickly once it finds its footing. Start with fresh seed, keep it evenly moist, and the plant does the rest itself.
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