Teak is one of the popular trees planted in almost every corner of the country.
It was said to be a highly commercial tree species.
A report from the Ministry of Forest said teak was a species which was recommended for many situations in country.
It was a timber which was highly regarded in the international marketplaces.
Both its logs and sawn timber can be sold in shipping containers to overseas buyers for good prices.
In 2003 small plantation logs (2.1m log and small end diameter of 150mm underbark) loaded into a container at Noro were sold for $750/m3.
The report said that 200×25mm boards can sold for $2000/m3 loaded into a container at either Honiara or Noro.
It is also a timber which is useful in a village or town. The hardwood is resistant to rot and can be used for fence and house post.
The report added that thinning can be used either in the round or sawn or for firewood.
The timber is quite easy to saw using a chainsaw frame mill of a portable sawmill and the timber dries without major distortion.
Timber can be used for all construction and joinery and is good for making furniture because it is easy to work with.
Teak tree is particularly valued for its durability and water resistance, and is used for boat building, exterior construction, veneer, furniture, carving, turnings, and other small wood projects.
It is native to south and southeast Asia, mainly India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Myanmar and Bangladesh but is naturalised and cultivated in many countries in Africa and the Caribbean.
By LESLEY SANGA
