Agarwood Supply Chain | Raw Forms of Agarwood | Processed Products | Bioprospecting | Health Benefits
Agarwood is a dark, aromatic resin that forms in the heartwood of Aquilaria trees (particularly Aquilaria malaccensis and related species) when they become infected by a specific type of mold or are subjected to stress (e.g., injury, microbial infection, or chemical inoculation). This resin is highly valued for its:
Uses:
- Perfume Industry: Key ingredient in luxury perfumes and incense due to its deep, woody fragrance.
- Traditional Medicine: Used in Ayurvedic, Chinese, and Middle Eastern medicine for its therapeutic properties.
- Spiritual and Religious Rituals: Burned as incense in temples, mosques, and meditation spaces.
- Essential Oils: Extracted and used in aromatherapy and wellness products.
How It Forms:
Normally, Aquilaria wood is pale and odorless. But when the tree is naturally or artificially inoculated (biologically, or physically injured), it responds by producing the dark, fragrant resin as a defense mechanism.
Other Names:
- Oud (Middle East)
- Gaharu (Southeast Asia)
- Jinko (Japan)
- Chen Xiang (China)
- Eaglewood
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.