Description

General Description

Gmelina arborea (commonly called white teak or “gamhar”) is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to South and Southeast Asia, widely planted in the Philippines for timber, shade, and ornamental use. It can reach up to 30 meters in height, with a broad crown, smooth pale bark, large ovate leaves, yellow-orange flowers, and small yellow drupes.

• Tree size: Moderately large, typically 15–30 m tall; bole straight and cylindrical, up to 140 cm in diameter.
• Crown: Wide-spreading with numerous branches forming a shady canopy.
• Bark: Smooth, pale ashy-grey to yellowish with black patches; exfoliates into woody flakes.
• Leaves: Opposite, broadly ovate (10–25 cm long), soft and limp, cordate at base, toothed or lobed when young, entire when mature.