Agarwood - Wood Of God

Agawrood is reputed to be the most expensive wood in the world. There are many names for the resinous, fragrant heartwood produced primarily by trees in the genus Aquilaria. Most commonly, the resin is known as Agarwood, Aloeswood, Eaglewood, Gaharu, Agalocha or Oud (In Arabic)

Agarwood has been used to make high quality incense since centuries. The Chinese describe its smell as "sweet, deep but balance fragrance" and use it in religious and festive celebrations, and so do Arabian, Indian and Japanese people. Agarwood us also part of many traditional pharmacopoeias, dating back to medieval times and Chinese doctors still prescribe it for cold and digestion problem. Oil extracted from Agarwood is used in Arabian countries as a perfume.

Agarwood is a resinous heartwood that occurs in trees belonging to the species of Aquilaria, Aetoxylon (A.symeatalum) and Gonystylus genus of Thymelaeceae family. However, species of the genus Aquilaria are mostly known for the production of agarwood - its a fast growing, evergreen tree.

Agarwood or Oud forms as a reaction to fungal or bacterial attack. Trees, occasionally become infected with a parasite mould secrete a fragnant, protective oil into wounded areas (roots, branches or sections of the trunk), which gradually become harder and dark brown to black. The heartwood (central part of a tree, which is darker in color than a sapwood) is relatively light and pale color before infection. Normally harvesters would cut only the infected parts in the hope of this resinous wood.

Agarwood is exported in various form (wood chips, powder, oil and as finished product such as perfume, incense and medicines), and the main importers are countries in the Middle and Far East (UAE, Saudi) as well as Asia (Taiwan, Japan and Hong Kong)

Below are many forms of Agarwood Product that it can be found in the international market :