Teak is a forest tree native to southeastern Asia. Its wood is highly valued for shipbuilding and for making furniture, cabinets, and trim. Teakwood is strong and durable and resists water. It takes a high polish and has an oil that helps it resist insects and decay. The tree sometimes grows to a height of 150 feet (46 meters). The leaves often grow 2 feet (61 centimeters) long and 11/2 feet (46 centimeters) wide. They yield a purple dye and are also used for thatch and for wrapping material.
Teakwood is produced commercially throughout most of the teak tree’s natural range—in India, Myanmar, and Indonesia. Because of its commercial value, the tree has been widely planted throughout the world. Today, teak trees are also commercially harvested in tropical Africa and Latin America.
