Teak
Tectona grandis
Native Region
South and Southeast Asia
Max Height
30-45 meters
Family
Lamiaceae
Conservation
EN
Uses
Distribution in Costa Rica
Legend
Elevation
0-800m
Regions
- Guanacaste
- Puntarenas
- Alajuela
- Limón
Season
Flowering
Jun-Aug
Fruiting
Jan-Feb, Nov-Dec
Teak
Teak (Tectona grandis) is arguably the world's most prized tropical hardwood, renowned for its exceptional durability, natural resistance to rot and insects, and beautiful golden-brown color. Though native to Asia, Costa Rica has become a major producer of plantation teak, with extensive forests in Guanacaste and the Northern Zone.
Quick Reference
- Scientific Name
- Tectona grandis
- Family
- Lamiaceae (Mint)
- Max Height
- 30-45 m
- Flowering
- June-August
- Conservation
- Endangered (wild)
- Habitat
- Seasonal tropical forests
iNaturalist Observations
Community-powered species data
4500
Observations
186
Observers
📸 Photo Gallery
Photos sourced from iNaturalist's citizen science database. View all observations →↗
Taxonomy & Classification
Geographic Distribution
Geographic Distribution
Where to Find Teak in Costa Rica
Plantation Regions:
- Guanacaste — Major plantation zone
- Northern Zone — Extensive plantings
- Nicoya Peninsula — Dry season adapted
- Central Pacific — Various plantations
Elevation: Sea level to ~800 m
Habitat & Ecology
Plantation Ecology
Teak plantations in Costa Rica:
- Monoculture dominant — Most are pure teak
- Deciduous behavior — Drops leaves in dry season
- Fire adapted — Can survive ground fires
- Allelopathic — Inhibits understory growth
- Wildlife limited — Less biodiversity than native forest
Wildlife Associations
Animals in teak plantations:
- White-faced Capuchins — Occasional visitors
- Various birds — Nesting sites
- Leaf-cutter Ants — Major pest
- Deer — Browse young trees
- Limited diversity — Compared to native forests
While teak provides economic value, pure plantations support far less biodiversity than native forests. Sustainable forestry practices in Costa Rica increasingly incorporate wildlife corridors and mixed plantings.
Botanical Description
Teak develops excellent form when grown in managed plantations, with long, straight boles ideal for timber production.
Wood Properties
Appearance
Physical Properties
| Property | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 630-720 kg/m³ | Medium to heavy |
| Grain | Straight to wavy | Attractive figure |
| Texture | Coarse, uneven | Oily feel |
| Natural Oils | High (1-5%) | Key to durability |
| Durability | Class 1 (Exceptional) | 50+ year outdoor life |
Teak's legendary durability comes from its high natural oil content and silica deposits. It resists rot, fungi, termites, and marine borers like no other wood, making it ideal for boats, outdoor furniture, and any exposed application.
Uses
Why teak dominates marine use:
- Yacht decking — Premium choice worldwide
- Boat trim — Rails, cockpits, interiors
- Marine environments — Resists saltwater, UV
- Non-slip when wet — Natural texture
- Low maintenance — Ages gracefully to silver-gray
Conservation Status
Conservation Status: Complex
Wild vs. Plantation teak:
- Wild populations: ENDANGERED (IUCN)
- Native forests heavily logged in Asia
- Plantation teak: Abundant and sustainable
- Costa Rica: Major sustainable producer
- Certification: FSC-certified plantations available
While wild teak is endangered in its native range, plantation-grown teak from Costa Rica and other countries provides a sustainable alternative. Look for FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification when purchasing.
Growing Teak
From Seed:
- Seeds require treatment (soaking, scarification)
- Alternate wetting/drying for 2-3 weeks
- Germination irregular (15-60%)
- Best in nursery beds
- Transplant at 30-50 cm height
Vegetative:
- Tissue culture — Commercial clones
- Cuttings — Possible but difficult
- Stumps — Coppices well after harvest
Similar Species
Where to See Teak Trees
Best Locations in Costa Rica
Plantation Areas:
- Guanacaste — Extensive commercial plantations
- Nicoya Peninsula — Various farms
- Northern Zone (Los Chiles area) — Major growing region
- Central Pacific — Scattered plantations
Tips:
- Many plantations offer tours
- Look for very large, rough leaves
- Deciduous in dry season (Jan-Apr)
- Distinctive golden wood color when cut
External Resources
Community observations, photos, and distribution data
Global observations
Detailed wood properties and identification
Wood Database
References
📚 Scientific References & Further Reading
Pandey, D. & Brown, C. (2000). Teak: A global overview. Unasylva 51(201): 3-13
Kollert, W. & Cherubini, L. (2012). Teak resources and market assessment. FAO Planted Forests and Trees Working Paper FP/47/E
Teak (Tectona grandis) represents the pinnacle of tropical hardwoods—its combination of beauty, durability, and workability is unmatched. While wild populations are endangered in Asia, Costa Rica's sustainable plantations demonstrate how responsible forestry can meet global demand while creating economic opportunity. Every teak deck and piece of outdoor furniture from Costa Rica represents a renewable harvest rather than forest destruction.
🌳 ¡Pura Vida!
