What is AgarwoodAgarwood is a marvellous but pathological phenomenon. Traded as agarwood, it is commonly referred to as gaharu in Indonesia but is also known as eaglewood, aloes wood and agalocha. It forms as a reaction to fungal and/or bacterial attack and is found on certain species of Aquilaria - a fast growing, evergreen tree, that normally grows to 18 - 21 m but sometimes up to 40 m in height. Infected trees secrete a fragrant, protective oil into wounded areas (roots, branches or sections of the trunk), which gradually become harder and darker. Normally harvesters would cut only the infected parts in the hope that the tree would produce more of this resinous wood. Aquilaria species that produce agarwood are found throughout Asia. For example, Aquilaria malaccencis, which is traded the most, can be found from India to Indonesia. These trees are relatively easy to grow and experimental plantations exist in most producing countries. However, fungal introduction (or inoculation) still poses a major problem, making it difficult to produce agarwood on a significant scale. This is why it is still harvested from the wild. Agarwood has been used to make high quality incense since antiquity. The Chinese describe its smell as a sweet, deep but balanced fragrance and continue to use it in religious and festive celebrations, as do Arabians, Indian and Japanese people. Agarwood is also part of many traditional pharmacopoeias, dating back to medieval times and Chinese doctors still prescribe it for colds and disgestion problem. Oil extracted from agarwood is used in Arabic countries as a perfume as well. Unlike many industrial perfumes, it is suitable for hot climates as the longer you wear it, the better it smells! In spite of its unique qualities though, agarwood is rarely used in European perfumeries because of its cost, and good quality synthetic substitutes are yet to be created.