Agarwood (known as “Aloe” in the Old Testament, also “agar”, “aloeswood”, “aloes” and “aloewood”) is called “aguru” in Sanskrit, “oud” in Arabic, and “Gaharu” in Malay and Indonesian. Agarwood has a long history in China, and has been widely applied in different areas: it could be used as a precious herbal medicine, an ingredient for fine aromatic and incense products as well as exquisite art pieces.

China is amongst the places of agarwood tree (aquilaria plant) growth. The species in China belongs to the family of Thymelaeaceae. In the past, agarwood trees were planted all over Hainan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, the mountain areas of Yunnan¹, and even in Hong Kong. The species in Hong Kong was aquilaria sinensis (土沉香), alias “guanxian” (Dongguan incense”), “yaxiang” (tooth incense) and “baimuxiang” (white wood incense). ..........