Typical Onset: 5 to 7 years of age (sometimes earlier under optimal conditions)
Duration: Seasonal – usually once a year during the dry or transitional season, depending on local climate.
Key Characteristics
1. Inflorescence Development
- Aquilaria malaccensis produces small, pale greenish-white to yellowish flowers.
- Flowers are fragrant, typically blooming in clusters at the leaf axils.
- Each flower is about 5–7 mm across, with a short flowering window (~5–10 days).
2. Pollination
- Naturally pollinated by insects (bees, ants, moths).
- Cross-pollination with nearby Aquilaria species may occur, especially if mixed plantations are present, leading to genetic variability.
3. Fruit Formation
- After successful pollination, capsule-like fruits develop, splitting open when mature to release winged seeds.
- Fruiting can take 2–3 months after flowering.
Nutritional & Cultural Requirements
To encourage and support flowering:
| Nutrient | Function | Organic Source |
|---|---|---|
| Phosphorus (P) | Flower formation, root support | Bone meal, fish meal |
| Potassium (K) | Bud and flower health | Wood ash, banana peel extract |
| Calcium (Ca) | Strengthens buds | Crushed eggshells, dolomitic lime |
| Magnesium (Mg) | Chlorophyll for energy | Epsom salt |
| Micronutrients | Enzymatic and hormonal balance | Compost tea, seaweed extract |
Watering: Maintain moderate moisture; avoid waterlogging during blooming.
Sunlight: Full to partial sun exposure helps trigger floral hormone pathways.
Tips for Bloom Optimization
- Apply low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizer 1–2 months before expected blooming.
- Prune lightly to open the canopy and improve light penetration.
- Protect flowers from pests like beetles and caterpillars.
- Avoid mechanical injury or chemical inoculation during flowering to reduce stress.