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Species
Aquilaria, commonly known as gaharu, is a highly valuable tree species renowned for producing agarwood—a fragrant resin used in perfumes, incense, and traditional medicines. While numerous species of Aquilaria exist, three have long been of regional and historical importance: Aquilaria malaccensis, Aquilaria crassna, and Aquilaria sinensis. Recently, a new subspecies of Aquilaria sinensis, called Kynam, has emerged as a significant focus due to its ability to naturally produce agarwood at a much younger age.
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These trees not only yield valuable products but also play a key role in sustainable forestry and reforestation efforts. Their adaptability to various landscapes in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam, makes them an important asset in both ecological conservation and commercial ventures.
Aquilaria Species Overview
While there are many types of Aquilaria trees, three species are of particular regional and historical significance: Aquilaria malaccensis, Aquilaria crassna, and Aquilaria sinensis. Recently, a new subspecies of Aquilaria sinensis, known as Kynam, has garnered attention.
The key species of Aquilaria that produce agarwood include:
• Aquilaria acuminata – Found in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, and the Philippines
• Aquilaria apiculata – Found in the Philippines
• Aquilaria baillonii – Found in Thailand and Cambodia
• Aquilaria banaensae – Found in Vietnam
• Aquilaria beccariana – Found in Indonesia
• Aquilaria brachyantha – Found in Malaysia
• Aquilaria crassna – Found in Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam
• Aquilaria cumingiana – Found in Indonesia and Malaysia
• Aquilaria filaria – Found in New Guinea, the Moluccas, and Mindanao (Philippines)
• Aquilaria grandiflora – Found in China
• Aquilaria hirta – Found in Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia
• Aquilaria khasiana – Found in Bangladesh and India
• Aquilaria malaccensis – Found in Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, Thailand, and India
• Aquilaria microcarpa – Found in Indonesia and Malaysia
• Aquilaria rostrata – Found in Malaysia
• Aquilaria sinensis – Found in China and Laos
• Aquilaria subintegra – Found in Thailand
Focus on the Three Historical Species
Our primary focus is on the Aquilaria sinensis species, as it not only grows rapidly—offering a medium-term return on investment—but also produces the most desirable tea variety.
All three of the historically significant Aquilaria species require an inoculum to accelerate agarwood resin production. In contrast, the Kynam subspecies of Aquilaria sinensis naturally produces agarwood from as early as two years of age, without the need for artificial inoculation.
A Unique and Sustainable Crop
Aquilaria, or gaharu trees, stand out as one of the few forestry crops that serve multiple purposes. In addition to producing agarwood, these trees are suitable for intercropping and contribute to reforestation efforts. Matching the right Aquilaria species to the native landscapes of Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia enhances its potential as a truly unique and sustainable forestry crop. We encourage all stakeholders to recognize the extraordinary value of this remarkable tree.