Types of Trees

Teak

Botanical Name:  Tectona grandis
Family:  Verbenaceae
Etymology:  The generic name comes from Malayalam (Malabar Coast) word tekka.

In its native forest, teak can reach 200 feet, with a slender cylindrical to fluted trunk of 3 to 5 feet in diameter and clear boles to 80 feet. It has a rounded crown with large ovate leaves, very downy on the underside.

Grayish bark surrounds a light sapwood that is vulnerable to termites and rot caused by fungus. The heartwood, in contrast is immune, and during seasoning changes color from yellowish to beautiful chestnut with darker streaks, retaining some of its pleasant fragrance. This material is easily worked, and dressed to a very smooth finish.

The wood of this tree, known commercially as teak, is widely used not only for its durability and hardness, but above all for its low co-efficient of contraction. Because of its natural oils, teak is very resistant to moisture and the drying effects of exposure to weather, making it renowned for durability outdoors. This very valuable wood is prized throughout the world. It is sought for the decks, trim and detail work on expensive yachts, fine furniture, flooring, quality cabinetry, veneer and much more.

This incredible specie has evolved many methods of survival in its natural rain forest habitat; however, it has no chance against the heavy exploitation that has occurred over a century, brought on by a multitude of factors, which have made it increasingly difficult to obtain. It’s no wonder this tremendous tree is endangered.

In our Kauai environment at favorable sites, teak has been growing very fast. We are quite impressed with the progress of this strong timber specimen.

Mahogany

Botanical Name:  Swietenia Macrophylla
Family:  Meliaceae
Etymology:  The name commemorates Gerald von Swieten (1700-1772), botanist and physician to Maria Theresa of Austria.

In its natural rain forest habitat of tropical America, the increasingly rare big leaf Mahogany achieves a majestic stature, sometimes reaching a height of 150 feet, with an impressive 6 foot diameter trunk. It develops a large basal buttress and fissured bark with a tall, generally opened crowned canopy. This forest elder has been heavily exploited over the last century to the point of near extinction.

The highly valued wood of this threatened specie, used since 1500 for fine quality carpentry work, is fondly regarded by many as the premium product for, among other things, fine quality furniture, cabinetry and musical instruments. Mahogany has a rich, reddish brown color that polishes to a high luster with excellent working and finishing characteristics. This wood can produce extremely sought after fiddle-back features, which are in great demand for the finest of woodworking.

Mahogany is justifiably one of the best known and most valuable tropical timbers currently traded internationally. We are very pleased with the performance of this ambitious forest beauty on Kauai, and are proud of the hope of giving some relief to this magnificent tree in the wild.

As KTT aims for a superior quality Mahogany, rigorous standards of attention are employed. The introduction of quality management in this plantation is what we believe will give our Mahogany a competitive edge over the timber industry in general.