Gmelina Arborea

Gmelina arborea, commonly known as Gmelina, Yemane, or White Teak, is a fast-growing, deciduous tree native to South and Southeast Asia. It is highly valued for its quality timber, which is lightweight yet durable, making it ideal for furniture, cabinetry, and construction. The tree features a straight trunk with a broad, umbrella-shaped crown, and its leaves are large, ovate, and bright green. During the blooming season, it produces tubular, yellow flowers with purple streaks, which are both fragrant and attractive to pollinators. These are followed by fleshy, drupe-like fruits that turn yellow upon ripening. Thriving in full sun and adaptable to various soil types, Gmelina arborea is drought-tolerant once established and is often utilized in reforestation projects, agroforestry systems, and as a shade tree in plantations. Its rapid growth and versatility make it a popular choice for timber production and ecological restoration efforts.