Sagwan Tree: Uses, benefits and care tips

The Sagwan tree, or Tectona grandis, also known as teak, is widely harvested for its wood. The tree is an evergreen tree that is grown in tropical regions. The teak comes under the family Lamiaceae. This wood is widely used for boats, construction, veneer, furniture, etc. Here you will find out all the detailed information about the Sagwan tree.

Sagwan tree: Key facts

Botanical name	Tectona grandis
Family	Lamiaceae
Common name	Teak
Plant type	tropical hardwood species
Native	Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka
Leaf type	ovate-elliptic to ovate, 15–45 cm in length
Flower characteristics	Fragrant white flowers with wide panicles
Varieties available	Burmese teak wood, Indian teak, Thailand teak, Indonesian teak, African teak, South American tree
Height	30 metres to 40 metres
Season	Evergreen
Bloom time	July to August
Sun exposure	Direct sunlight
Ideal temperature	20-48° C temperature
Soil type	Alluvial soil
Ideal location for placement	Moist and tropical regions
Maintenance	A good calcium level is required, a temperature of 20-48° C is ideal
Fertilisation	N:P:K (15:15:15) at 50 gm per plant for up to three to four years

see also about: teak-tree-maintenance-tips

Sagwan tree: Physical description

The teak tree or the Sagwan tree is a large deciduous tree. It can grow up to a height of 30 m to 40 m. The branches of the tree are usually greyish brown. The leaves are ovate-elliptic in shape and can grow up to a length of 15–45 cm. 

The flowers are usually fragrant, and they can bloom from June to August. Fruits appear from September to December. The wood teak is hard in texture and brownish-golden in colour. 

Source: Pinterest 

See also: Mahogany tree: How to take care of it and use it the right way?

Sagwan tree: How to grow it?

Sagwan trees can be grown in various locations, but there are some standards you can follow for better growth.

• Teak trees can grow in moist weather in tropical regions. So when you are ready to grow a Sagwan tree, you can choose the right place for that. Keep in mind that sunlight is also required for good growth.

 

• Always level the soil to get well-drained soil.

 

• You can use 12 to 15 months of saplings for planting.

 

• You can use a transplant method to plant the sapling. Use a spacing of 2 m x 2 m or 2.5 m x 2.5 m between every sapling.

 

• You can use N:P: K (15:15:15) at 50 gm per plant for up to three to four years to get better growth of the tree.

 

• A weeding operation to get rid of weeds.

Source: Pinterest 

Sagwan tree: Maintenance tips

Sagwan tree or teak does not require much time to take care of. But if you are trying to grow the tree in a completely new environment, then there are some things to be kept in mind. Here are some maintenance tips you should know.

• Usually, teak demands humid and tropical weather to grow. It can also tolerate higher temperature levels too. If you want to grow teak in a high rainfall zone, then the growth will be the highest.

 

• Alluvial soil is the main soil that can grow good teak trees. Soil should be well drained too. 

 

• The pH of the soil for the Sagwan tree should be between 6.5 to 7.5.

 

• The presence of higher calcium is good for Sagwan tree growth.

Source: Pinterest 

Sagwan tree: Uses and benefits

Sagwan or the Tectona grandis has a few benefits you should know before you plant it. Here are some of the most known benefits and use of Sagwan trees.

see also about: Planting seeds: How to plant a seed outdoors and indoors

• Durable furniture

Sagwan tree or teak is good for durable furniture. All kinds of outdoor wooden furniture can be easily manufactured from teak wood. 

 

• Flooring

The Sagwan tree is good for creating good flooring, and it will not decay for a long time. It is completely resistant to fungi and parasites. 

 

• Boats and ships

Sagwan trees can be easily used for boats and ship parts because they can run for a long time in the water.

 

• Medicinal benefits

Sagwan tree is known for reducing fat. Also, it is good for headaches. Sagwan seed oil is used for various skin diseases. Sores can be reduced by applying Sagwan leaf juice.

 

Growing Sagwan trees for sustainable timber production

 

Growing Sagwan trees for timber production is highly profitable and environmentally friendly investment. However, it requires time, patience, dedication and care to yield the desired results.

Importance of Sagwan tree conservation

Growing this commercially successful tree can help you attain the following objectives:

 

Soil fertility
Prevent of soil erosion
Improvement in water quality
Economic benefits
Biodiversity conservation

Discovering the versatility of Sagwan wood

The Sagwan wood is highly versatile and can be used to make furniture, flooring, in construction, for boat building, to build musical instruments, carvings and doors and windows.

Maximising profits with Sagwan tree farming

• Use market research to understand the demand and the prices to make informed decisions about sale and pricing.
• Grow other crops with Sagwan to have an provide additional income while waiting for the trees to mature.
• Value-added products can be made from the Sagwan timber to increase the value of the timber and provide additional income.
• Plant new trees to replace the harvested ones to maintain the ecological balance of the plantation to ensure long-term profitability.

Are Sagwan trees toxic?

No, Sagwan trees are not toxic at all. They have various medicinal benefits too.

 

FAQs

What is the family of the Sagwan tree?

The family of the Sagwan tree is Lamiaceae.

How many types of teak or Sagwan tree are there?

A few varieties of teak or sagwan tree like Malabar teak, South American teak, Central American teak, West African teak, godabori teak, konni teak, etc., exist.

What is the scientific name of the Sagwan tree?

The scientific name of the Sagwan tree is Tectona grandis.