Teak (Tectona grandis): is considered one of the most valuable woods for plantations. It has been grown for more than 100's of years, and is a mainstay for many plantations. It is considered a very valuable wood due to its ability to withstand inclement weather. It even prevents any metal used in it from rusting. Teak is very stable, which means that it does not warp when subjected to variations in humidity and temperature. Teak requires very good drainage and a rich soil. It prefers a dry season of about three months. The Nilambur Teak is unique for its quality and is world famous for its golden yellow colour and beautiful grains In an auction conducted on Februrary 3, 2005, at the Timber Sales Division in Palakkad Circle, one log of Nilambur teak fetched an amount of Rs. 2,33,539 i.e. Rs. 90,100 per cubic meter. High quality teak is available at Walayar, Parambikulam, Malayatoor and Ranni. Teak conjures up images of elegance, class, grandeur, durability, antiquity, grace and strength. Planting:Teak is usually planted when the seedlings or clones are four to six weeks old and is planted at a distance of six feet each. Teak grows amazingly fast, particularly for a hardwood.
Teak rapidly puts on height as well as diameter. After the trees start gaining height, one must prune the lower branches. The most valuable trees are those that grow straight and tall with no limbs in the trunk area. By pruning away all except the top 1/3 of the branches, you create superior wood. Because teak grows so fast, the plantation needs a lot of attention for the first three years.
Teak produces between 12 to 26 cubic meters in volume of wood per year. The price for teak has been going up steadily for many years, at a rate consistently over 6% per year.