Agarwood is a resinous heartwood that can be found in the Aquilaria genus of trees of Thymelaeceae family. Aquilaria is a fast-growing, primitive subtropical forest tree with a population range spanning the Islands’ rainforests. It grows at elevations ranging from a few meters above sea level to around 1000 meters, with an average diameter of about 1 meter. Aquilaria may thrive in a variety of soil conditions, even poor sandy soil. Seedlings require a lot of water and shade, but they grow quickly and can produce blossoms and seeds as young as five years old.
This is a valuable, non-timber forest product which has been used throughout different societies for medicinal, aromatic, cultural and religious purposes.