Kannimara teak: an extant forest genetic resource

摘要

The Kannimara teak is the largest teak tree (48.5 m height, 6.57 m girth) in the country, aged about 450–500 years. It is a precious asset standing in the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala (10°23′00″N, 76°42′30″E; Figure 1). The tree is healthy, it flowers and fruits annually and the seeds develop into viable seedlings. During the colonial era such giant teak trees were selectively harvested for ship-building. By the late 18th century most teak genetic resources got depleted in the wild and man-made plantations were initiated. Trees akin to Kannimara teak are still found as museum exhibits in different parts of our country.