Creamy Woods Plantations (Pvt) Limited: Establishment of and Alstonia Plantation

Abstract of the presentation of

Chamathka Fernando

There are various types of Alstonia such as A. macrophylla, A. scholaris, A. boonei. The most common type found in Sri Lanka is A. macrophylla which is also known as Havarinuga, Wellai Maram and match stick tree. This species was introduced to Sri Lanka from Malaysia. A. macrophylla is mainly found in Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, and Vietnam.

A. macrophylla is found in the wet and intermediate zones of Sri Lanka, mainly in and around plantations and also in forests. The tree height vary in between 20-25 m. This is a species which has a very straight bole with little taper. Generally the sapwood is yellowish white creamy and cannot be easily differentiated from the heartwood. The heartwood is more yellowish than sapwood. Grain is straight and shallowly interlocked. Texture is moderately fine to rather coarse and even. The timber is of superior quality to that of A. scholaris and less liable to attack of boring insects. It is used for making roof beams, frames, drawing boards, poles and toys A. macrophylla has been suggested for plantations and home gardens in Sri Lanka due to its fast growth rate, timber value and ease of establishment.

Creamy Woods Plantations (Pvt) Ltd. has an extent of 26 hectares. It is situated in Anguruwathota, Kalutara district. Company is introducing Alstonia macrophylla to the plantation sector of Sri Lanka for a greener economy and sustainable development. Beyond the production of timber, company involves in many alternative income generation paths while sustaining the company as well as the community.

Planting distance recommended for A. macrophylla is 3x3 m and initial tree density per hectare is 1100. Life span of A. macrophylla is nearly 15 to 17 years. Intercropping will be an alternative income generation method until the trees complete their life span and Ginger will be intercropped with A. microphyllla. Spacing in between the main crop A. macrophylla and Ginger will be maintained according to the standard levels. Establishment of the plantation will be done after the site preparation and silvicultural practices will be carried out such as weeding, fertilizing, pruning, thinning and etc.

As this species, A. macrophylla is a high dense, fairly durable, highly adaptable to different soil types in the wet zone and very high growth rate will generate a good market for the company and with the intercropping it will generate an alternative income to the company while serving the community.

 

Alstonia trees growing at the edge of a home garden of Sri Lanka