Dog teak - Dillenia pentagyna (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Distribution, Images)

Dog teak

Also known as: Nepali elephant apple

A tree some 6-15m tall with tortuous twigs the bark is grayish and smooth exfoliating. Branches are glabrous and stout. Leaves are deciduous petiolate oblong to obovate-oblong glabrous 30-5cm long flowers appear before the leaves 2–7 in number yellow coloured petals flowering starts in spring-spring. Fruit is globose 0.5cm in diameter black ovoid seed exarillate. On islands of the Mekong in northeastern Cambodia the tree flowers from winter to spring fruits in spring and the leaves grow from spring to fall.

Scientific classification

Species

Dog teak (Dillenia pentagyna)

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Perennial

Lifespan

Tree

Plant Type

2 cm to 3 cm

Flower Size

Yellow

Flower Color

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Dog teak

Distribution of Dog teak

Distribution Map

Dog teak naturally thrives in the subtropical and tropical regions of the Asian continent. Its presence spans dense forests across the eastern and northeastern parts of South Asia, as well as Southeast Asia. Although originally endemic to these areas, dog teak has not been widely introduced to other regions globally, maintaining a relatively stable indigenous range.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Rainforests, thickets, hills, open forests

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Care Guide for Dog teak

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Dog teak thrives in moist, subtropical environments, preferring consistent moisture and moderate drought tolerance. Water weekly for optimal hydration, especially during the growing season, and cultivate outdoors to benefit from natural rainfall for enhanced foliage production.

Fertilize: Dog teak thrives on balanced nutrition and high-nitrogen fertilizers during active growth, applied monthly. Reduce to bi-monthly in dormancy; follow manufacturer's dosage. Fertilization boosts vitality and foliage, but avoid over-fertilizing. Apply to moist soil for optimal absorption and ensure even distribution.

Pruning: Dog teak features large, glossy leaves and vibrant flowers, thriving with annual pruning during its dormant phase (early to late winter). Key techniques include removing unhealthy branches and shaping for balance, which encourages air circulation and light access, fostering healthier growth. Use clean, sterilized tools for cuts.

Propagation: Dog teak propagates effectively through semi-hardwood cuttings with leaf nodes. Use a well-draining, moist medium and rooting hormone. Maintain high humidity while acclimating young plants before outdoor transplantation for healthy growth and maturity.

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