Teak is popular all over the world due to its high quality
timber with remarkable physical and mechanical properties. This is a light
demanding species with large deciduous leaves. Harvesting can be started since
15-20 years for intermediate sizes. Mature timber can be obtained between 30-45
years depending on the site quality.
Teak was introduced to Sri Lanka in 17th century by Dutch. It
was widely planted in dry and intermediate zones after 1950s. Although 45,335
ha of land have been utilized by the Forest Department for teak plantations,
the effectively managed area might be less due to constraints such as wild
elephants, illicit felling and encroachment. Although the most prominent type
of teak plantations are monocultures, there are some mixtures such as with
eucalypts and mahogany.