Agarwood (Aquilaria Malaccensis)

Agarwood (Aquilaria Malaccensis)
Local Indian Name: Agar, Sanchi, Ood, Agaru
Scientific Name: Aquilaria malaccensis
Family: Thymelaeaceae
• Category: Tree
• Subcategory: Aromatic and Medicinal
Native Region:
Southeast Asia, including India (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura), Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia

Introduction:
Agarwood (Aquilaria malaccensis) is a valuable tropical tree known for its fragrant resin, which is widely used in perfumes, incense, and traditional medicine. The resin, also known as “oud” or “agar,” forms when the tree undergoes a natural infection or artificial induction. Due to its high commercial demand, Agarwood is considered one of the most expensive woods in the world.

Importance & Benefits:
Economic Importance:
• Agarwood oil is one of the most expensive essential oils globally, fetching up to $30,000 per kg.
• Its wood and resin are used in perfumes, incense, and high-end cosmetics.
• It has a thriving market in the Middle East, Japan, and China.

Medicinal Benefits:
• Used in Ayurvedic, Unani, and traditional Chinese medicine for treating asthma, digestive disorders, and rheumatism.
• Acts as an aphrodisiac and a sedative.

Religious and Cultural Significance:
• Used in Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic rituals.
• Burned as incense in temples and mosques.

Description and Cultivation:
Agarwood is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 40 meters tall with a trunk diameter of 60 cm. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, where humidity levels are high. Cultivation involves natural or artificial inoculation to trigger resin production.

Varieties and Cultivars:
Several species of Aquilaria produce Agarwood, including:
• Aquilaria malaccensis (Most common in India and Bangladesh)
• Aquilaria crassna (Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia)
• Aquilaria sinensis (China)
• Aquilaria subintegra (Thailand)

Location and Light:
• Prefers warm, humid tropical climates.
• Requires partial to full sunlight with good air circulation.
• Grows well in altitudes up to 1000 meters.

Soil Preparation:
• Well-drained, loamy soil with pH levels between 5.5 and 7.
• Prefers organic-rich, slightly acidic soil.
• Avoid waterlogged or heavy clay soil.

Planting:
• Best planted during the monsoon season.
• Spacing: 2m x 2m for commercial plantations.
• Can be grown through seeds or saplings.

Watering:
• Requires moderate but regular watering.
• Avoid excessive irrigation to prevent root rot.
• Drip irrigation is recommended for better water management.

Pruning:
• Regular pruning helps maintain tree shape and encourages healthy growth.
• Diseased or weak branches should be removed.

Pest and Disease Management:
• Common pests: Aphids, termites, and borers.
• Fungal infections can be managed using organic fungicides.
• Proper spacing and soil drainage help prevent infections.

Environmental Conditions:
• Temperature: 20–35°C
• Humidity: 60–80%
• Rainfall: 1500–3500 mm annually

Propagation:
• Propagated by seeds, cuttings, or grafting.
• Seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing.
• Tissue culture methods are also used for large-scale propagation.

Uses:
• Essential Oil: Extracted for perfumes, incense, and cosmetics.
• Wood: Used for carving and making prayer beads.
• Medicine: Used for treating anxiety, digestive issues, and respiratory ailments.
• Incense & Religious Use: Burned as a sacred fragrance in temples and meditation centers.

Monetary Benefits:
• Agarwood plantations can generate high returns after 6–10 years.
• Properly infected trees can yield resin worth millions per hectare.
• A single Agarwood tree can be worth ₹5–10 lakh depending on resin quality.
• The international market price for Agarwood chips ranges from $500 to $10,000 per kg.