Aquilaria brachyantha is an evergreen shrub or a small tree growing up to 2 metres tall.
Dense primary forests at low elevations in Luzon, Philippines.
No other details as of yet.
Common Names: N/A (rare species)
Family: Thymelaeaceae
CITES Status: Not individually listed; Aquilaria genus under CITES Appendix II
Taxonomy & Identification
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Aquilaria brachyantha H.L.Li |
| Genus | Aquilaria |
| Leaf Shape | Oblong to elliptic, 4–9 cm long |
| Flower | Small, pale yellow, axillary or terminal clusters |
| Fruit | Small, dehiscent capsule, usually 1–2 seeds |
| Tree Height | Small to medium-sized tree (up to 15 meters) |
Native Distribution
- Endemic to parts of Hainan Island, China
- Grows in subtropical broadleaf forests at elevations of 500–800 masl
Ecology & Growth
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Mountainous or subtropical forest environments |
| Soil | Moist, well-drained forest soils |
| Climate | Subtropical to tropical |
| Light | Prefers dappled shade in natural settings |
| Growth Pattern | Slower-growing, understory species |
Scientific and Conservation Importance
- Rare and under-researched species of Aquilaria
- Valuable for:
- Genetic conservation of Aquilaria biodiversity
- Potential breeding stock for disease resistance or adaptability
- DNA barcoding and phylogenetic studies of the genus
- Limited data on natural agarwood formation or economic viability
- Not currently prioritized in commercial agarwood plantations
Research & Biotechnology Potential
| Area | Notes |
|---|---|
| Tissue Culture | No protocols yet developed; could benefit from COPI R&D |
| Genetic Studies | Candidate for in situ and ex situ conservation genomics |
| Species Verification | DNA barcoding recommended (matK, ITS2, rbcL) |
| Grafting/Hybridization | Possible use in gene flow or rootstock trials |
Conservation Notes
- Likely qualifies as Vulnerable or Endangered, though not yet formally assessed by IUCN
- Critical to conserve within botanical gardens and genetic resource banks
- May be used for species enrichment in natural forests or research plots