Sagwan plants
Sagwan (Tectona grandis) is one of the most well known timbers of the world. And it belongs to verbenaceae family.
It knows as the “Burmese teak“.
Tectona grandis is a large, deciduous tree that occurs in mixed hardwood forests.
It has small, fragrant white flowers and large papery leaves that are often hairy on the lower surface.
Measurement
Generally, a teak plant grows to a height 25-30 ft and attains a girth of 30-35 inches.
Climate requirement
Sagwan prefers moist, warm tropical climate.
It can withstand extremes of temperature, but maximum and minimum shades temperature of 39 to 440 °C and 13 to 170 °C respectively are most favorable for its growth.
It grows well in rainfall zone of 1200-2500 mm.
Soil Requirement
Teak grows best on deep, well-drained alluvial soils derived from limestone, schist, gneiss, shale and some volcanic rocks, such as basalt.
The ph range of soil in teak forest is wide (5.0 to 8.0) and the optimum ph range for better growth and quality is between 6.5 to 7.5.
Calcium requirement in teak wood farming
Several researches found Teak soil is relatively fertile with high calcium , phosphorus , potassium , nitrogen and other organic matter.
Although sagwan has been named as calcerous species.
The amount of calcium in teak plant is also indicator of quality of teak site quality.
World’s largest living teak tree
Above Sagwan is the world’s largest Sagwan tree .located within the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary in the Palghat District of Kerala in India.