F. Norway spruce

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Figure 3.8 Norway Spruce

orway spruce (figure 3.8) is native to mountains from Scandinavia to north west Russia and central Europe, and is grown throughout northern and central Europe and in eastern US. It is a cool climate species and grows at elevations of 1000-2200 m.

This conifer with a pointed, conical crown grows to about 30-50 m and has dark-green needles. Bark is grey or red-brown, flaky. The tree needs a good supply of soil moisture as it is shallow-rooted and prefers moist, deep, loose, loamy soils. Norway spruce produces the largest cones of any spruce, and these are 10-20 cm long. The cones ripen in autumn.

The timber is known as white wood or deal, and has many uses including paper pulp and roofing. Turpentine is extracted from the stem and the bark is used for tanning. Norway Spruce is one of the most widely planted spruces, both in and outside of its native range, used in forestry for timber and paper production, and as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens. It is also widely planted for use as a Cristmas tree. It is naturalised in some parts of North America, though not so extensively as to be considered an invasive weed tree. Several varieties are adapted for garden use.

G. Teak

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Figure 3.9 Teak

eaks a tall deciduous tree (figure 3.9) and a member of the laminaceae or labiatae family – the mint family. It is native to India, Myanmar and Thailand. It is also known locally as ‘tek’ or ‘teca’. Teak is a fast-growing species, and can reach heights of 40-45 m. The trunk can reach 1-1.5 m in diameter. Due to exploitation for timber, teak is considered to be endangered.

Teakwood is a very attractive golden to red-brown wood. Its natural oils make it very durable and resistant to moisture, and protect it from the drying effects of the weather. Its long life reliability and weather resistance have meant that it has become a very valuable wood and has been used for the decks of boats, furniture, flooring, carving and turnery.

Teak furniture dates back prior to the 19th Century, when it was used by the Chinese for export into Europe. Pieces of furniture over 200 years old have been discovered still in good condition.

The seeds and stem are used in alternative remedies to alleviate abdominal pain and diarrhea. The small flowers are white and are produced in June and July. Teak produces fruit in August and September. The timber is used in the manufacture of outdoor furniture, boat decks, and other articles where weather resistance is desired. It is also used for indoor flooring and as a veneer for indoor furnishings. Teak furniture is popular because it is usually high-ticket and is a status symbol. It is not uncommon to see teak patio furniture last 70 years out in the weather with proper care, and it’s common to see such heirlooms passed from generation to generation. Teak is used as a food plant by the larvae of moths.

Teak is easily worked and has natural oils that make it suitable for use in exposed locations, where it is durable even when not treated with oil or varnish. Teak cut from old trees grown slowly in natural forests is more durable and harder; teak from young trees grown in plantations is more prone to splitting and water damage.