Aquilaria sinensis

HK Aquilaria sinensis Leaves

Aquilaria sinensis

Aquilaria sinensis, commonly known as the Chinese agarwood, is a species of plant in the Thymelaeaceae family. It is native to China, particularly in the provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, and Fujian. This tree is renowned for producing agarwood, a fragrant resinous wood that is highly valued in various cultures for its use in perfume, incense, and traditional medicine.

Description

Aquilaria sinensis is a medium-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to 15 meters in height. The leaves are simple, alternate, and oblong-lanceolate, with a glossy green appearance. The flowers are small, white to yellowish, and fragrant, blooming in clusters. The fruit is a woody capsule containing several seeds.

Habitat

This species thrives in tropical and subtropical forests, often found at altitudes ranging from 200 to 1000 meters. It prefers well-drained soils and can be found in both primary and secondary forests.

Cultivation and Harvesting

The cultivation of Aquilaria sinensis involves planting seeds or cuttings in suitable soil conditions. The tree is often cultivated for its agarwood, which is formed when the tree is infected by a type of mold. The infection process can be natural or artificially induced. Harvesting involves cutting down the tree and extracting the resinous heartwood.

Uses

Agarwood

Agarwood, also known as oud, is the most significant product derived from Aquilaria sinensis. It is used in the production of high-quality perfumes, incense, and traditional Chinese medicine. The resin is known for its distinctive, pleasant aroma and is highly prized in many cultures.

Traditional Medicine

In traditional Chinese medicine, agarwood is used to treat various ailments, including digestive disorders, pain, and respiratory issues. It is believed to have calming and therapeutic properties.

Conservation Status

Aquilaria sinensis is listed as a vulnerable species due to overharvesting and habitat loss. Conservation efforts are in place to protect this species, including the establishment of protected areas and the promotion of sustainable harvesting practices.

See Also

• Agarwood
• Thymelaeaceae
• Traditional Chinese medicine
• Perfume
• Incense