Aquilaria filaria (Lapnisan) is an evergreen shrub or a tree that can grow up to 17 metres tall. The bole can be up to 50cm in diameter.
With Specimen Sample located at Hacienda Aquilaria, Brgy. Nalihawan, Hamtic, Antique, Western Visayas Region (R6) and at Aetherial Natural Oils Corp farm, Christine Village, Brgy. Biga, Tanza, Cavite CALABARZON (R4A)
Conservation and reproduction on-going.
Common Names: Filaria (Lapisan – Lapnisan)
Family: Thymelaeaceae
CITES Status: Appendix II (Trade regulated under international law)
Taxonomy & Identification
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aquilaria filaria (Oken) Merr. |
| Genus | Aquilaria |
| Leaf Shape | Elliptic to oblong-lanceolate, 6–14 cm long |
| Flower | Small, greenish-white, in axillary clusters |
| Fruit | Ovoid capsule, 1–2 seeds with aril |
| Tree Height | 15–25 meters (occasionally taller) |
Ecology & Growth
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Tropical lowland rainforest, secondary forests |
| Soil | Moist, loamy or lateritic, well-drained soils |
| Light | Grows under partial shade to full sun |
| Water | High rainfall/humidity zones preferred |
| Maturity | Flowers and fruits at ~5 years in ideal conditions |
Agarwood Resin Production
- Forms agarwood resin in response to:
- Natural wounding or microbial infection
- Artificial inoculation (e.g., FusaTrinity™)
- Resin quality is comparable to A. malaccensis under controlled cultivation
- Recognized for a milder yet complex fragrance profile
Propagation & Biotechnology Potential
| Method | Notes |
|---|---|
| Seed Propagation | Viable, but short-lived seeds |
| Tissue Culture | COPI is developing protocols for mass cloning |
| DNA Tools | Species identification via DNA barcoding (ITS2, matK, rbcL) and gender diagnostics in development |
Economic Relevance
- Suitable for plantation cultivation in the Philippines
- Promising species for local supply chain of:
- Agarwood oil
- Chips and powder
- Artisanal products and traditional medicine
- Higher local adaptability compared to foreign Aquilaria spp.
- Export regulated under CITES Appendix II (requires permits)
Conservation & Legal Notes
- Listed under CITES Appendix II
- Locally protected under the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (RA 9147)
- Sustainable development encouraged via:
- Community-Based Forest Management Agreements (CBFMA)
- DENR-approved plantations
- Integration into agroforestry zones