Other Common Names:
Kyun, Teca, Teck

Botanical Name:
Tectona grandis

Family:
Verbenaceae

Mature Tree Height, Diameter:
150 ft, 3½ ft.

Weight @ 12% M/C:
45 lbs./ft.3

Working Properties:
Easily worked with both hand and machine tools if kept sharp. Glues moderately well despite its oily nature. Skin irritant to some.

Growing Regions:
Central American and African Plantations

General Characteristics:
Heartwood dark golden yellow, turning a dark brown with exposure, often very variable in color when freshly machined. Sapwood is a pale yellowish color. Grain is straight, texture course, scented when freshly cut. Contains silica.

Uses:
Shipbuilding, furniture, flooring, carving, cabinetwork, paneling, turnery, tanks and vats.

Acceptable Substitutes:
Purpleheart

References:
"Tropical Timbers of the World", USDA Handbook #607, Sept. 1984, p.400

Discussion:
For centuries this has been the favored wood for boat building, especially for decks. The oily, waxy surface repels water rather than absorbing it. The wood does not corrode metal fasteners and remains relatively stable despite repeated wetting and drying. During World War II, with mostly Southeast Asia (the only source) cut off, the allies encouraged the widespread development of plantations in Africa and Latin America. These plantations are now being harvested.