Science · Plants, Natives & Crops
Teak
Teak performs best on deep, fertile, well-drained soils in warm climates with distinct wet and dry seasons. Plantation productivity and timber quality depend strongly on planting material, early weed control, thinning and protection from fire and defoliators.
Profile
- Origin
- South and Southeast Asia; FAO identifies India, Myanmar, Thailand and Laos as its natural range.
- Growth habit
- Large deciduous tree, exceeding 30 m under favorable conditions.
- Soil
- Deep, fertile, well-drained alluvial or colluvial soils are preferred.
- Soil pH
- The Agroforestree profile identifies pH 6.5–8 as suitable; this is not a universal site prescription.
- Seasonality
- Dry-season leaf shedding is normal and should not automatically be interpreted as irrigation failure.
Water & soil context
- Moisture (VWC)
- No numeric root-zone volumetric water content target is specified in the cited publications.
- Salinity tolerance
- No numeric irrigation-water EC or soil-salinity management threshold is specified in the cited publications.
- Drought tolerance
- Adapted to seasonal dryness, but growth depends on soil moisture availability and site quality.
Illustrative monitoring-depth band
6–12 in
Editorial placement example, not a validated optimum or total rooting depth. Confirm the site's root distribution and soil horizons; multiple depths may be needed.
Waterlogging is unsuitable. Rainfall ranges in species profiles describe climatic occurrence, not irrigation requirements or sensor setpoints.
Problems to watch
- Teak defoliator and leaf-skeletonizing caterpillars can reduce foliage.
- Stem borers and termites can damage plantations.
- Maintain drainage and avoid root injury during nursery handling and transplanting.
Stress signs
- Unexpected defoliation or skeletonized leaves can indicate insect damage.
- Wilting in young plants can accompany bacterial disease; it is not diagnostic of drought.
- Normal seasonal leaf fall must be distinguished from premature foliage loss.
Where you'll find it
- High-value furniture and joinery
- Durable construction timber
- Boatbuilding
More plants, natives & crops
Published botanical and soil references are distinct from GroundWorx product guidance. Moisture thresholds and monitoring depths require site calibration; sources do not establish product performance or diagnose stress.