Teak Awareness Day is observed on April 12 in the United States. Teak is a species of tropical hardwood tree that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. This massive deciduous plant flourishes in mixed hardwood forests. Teak is one of the most coveted woods for high-end furniture, so its international demand is expanding. When freshly milled, teak emits an odour similar to leather and is highly valued for its durability and water resistance. Teak wood is frequently used for boats, exteriors, veneers, furniture, mouldings, and turnings, among other wood products.
HISTORY OF TEAK AWARENESS DAY
Teak is a species of tropical hardwood with the botanical name Tectona Grandis. It is a large and tall deciduous tree that is commonly found in the hardwood forests of South and Southeast Asia. This tree is native to India, Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand. Teak wood has a distinct odour and is robust, water-resistant, and incredibly resilient. Teak timber is typically used for luxurious, high-end, and durable furniture. The name of this tree is allegedly derived from the Malayalam word ‘tekka’ or the Portuguese word ‘Teca.’
Carl Linnaeus the Younger first described teak in his famous work “Supplementum Plantarum” in 1782. In the journal “Phytologia” in 1975, Harold Norman Moldenke provided additional descriptions of four varieties of this species. According to Moldenke, each form fluctuates depending on the type of specimen.
Sri Lanka was the first nation to establish commercial teak plantations in 1680. The business of teak plantations reached its apogee around 1865, when Indian Teak’s water-resistant teak variety gained international recognition. Myanmar’s Ministry of Environmental Conservation and Forestry discovered the two largest surviving teak trees in 2017 as Indian teak was establishing itself on international timber markets. Afterward, Myanmar implemented an innovative method of teak cultivation. This technique transformed the teak wood industry.
In 1902, the first teak plantation outside of Asia was established in Nigeria. Initially, seedlings of Indian teak were used. However, as the Taungya method gained popularity, Myanmar seedlings were imported and utilised. This elevated the country’s teak plantations to unprecedented heights. Trinidad and Tobago planted the first teak trees in the Americas. Teak Awareness Day was established in 2019 by Westminster Teak.
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5 FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT TEAK
It alters its hue over time.
Typically, the golden to medium brown hue of young teak wood fades to grey with age.
The greatest amount of hydrocarbons
Teak has the highest oil content of all natural timbers, making it exceptionally resistant to deterioration.
It is responsive to metal.
Teak wood does not split, warp, or turn black when exposed to metals.
The highest standard
Teak trees that are between 40 and 80 years old yield the finest wood.
Teak tree recovery
Before being cut, teak trees must be cured for one to two years.
TEAK AWARENESS DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 12 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | April 12 | Friday |
| 2025 | April 12 | Saturday |
| 2026 | April 12 | Sunday |
| 2027 | April 12 | Monday |
