Having keen interest in photography which part of the first photograph of the tree's trunk is the 2nd photograph you posted with a palm behind the bole (trunk)? In the bare trunk picture with your palm behind it appears to me it is about 6 inches in diameter. For a 3 year old seedling of A. hirsutus it is very hard to believe! Since the value of A. hirsutus wood is in demand and of steep price why don't they go on planting these trees in Kerala than planting rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis)?
Looking at the bole (trunk) you pictured it appears to me that of a 12 to 15 year old A. hirsutus. Please review my previous posts on this subject.
I am holding the trunk about 1ft. from the ground. In the background what you are seeing is not palm seedlings (that are grass kinda weeds, which can be seen in the first picture also).
The tree is 3 years old only. If you can't believe me, please ask the forum member 'DurianLover'. He is growing
A. hirsutus in Sri Lanka from seeds I have sent. He reported that the seedlings are very fast growing.
Forum member 'Luc' is also growing Wild jack from my seeds. But, I don't have any updates from him about the growth rate.
A. hirsutus wood is preferred only after Teak and Jackfruit wood in Kerala.
A. hirsutus wood is light weight and at the same time is strong and durable. But, the wood will bend as the weather changes. That is why, it is not used for construction and is used only for making furniture and boats.
Wild jack wood is not grown commercially, and people prefer to grow Teak which can be utilized in 20 years.
A. hirsutus takes more years to form the heartwood and the sapwood is of no use. While sapwood of Teak is durable and used to make furniture.