The Rare and Valuable Agarwood: Uncovering the Secrets of Aquilaria Trees

Aquilaria is a genus of trees in the family Thymelaeaceae, native to Southeast Asia and India. The most valuable species within this genus is Aquilaria malaccensis, also known as agarwood or gaharu.
Agarwood is a fragrant heartwood that is formed inside the tree when it is infected with a type of fungus. The fungus causes the tree to produce resin, which accumulates in the wood and gives it a distinctive dark, fragrant scent. Agarwood has been highly valued for centuries for its fragrance and medicinal properties, and is used in traditional medicine and as an ingredient in perfumes and incense.
Aquilaria trees are listed on CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) and are protected by law in many countries due to over-harvesting and habitat loss. As a result, agarwood is becoming increasingly rare and expensive, and is considered one of the most valuable and sought-after woods in the world.