What is agarwood? It starts with a wounded tree

Agarwood comes from trees of the Aquilaria genus (Thymelaeaceae). When a tree is wounded — by insects, wind or cutting — it secretes resin to heal itself, and over years, with fungal involvement, forms an oil-rich, fragrant tissue: this is what we call "agarwood".

The ordinary wood is called agarwood timber, which is not the same as the resinous part. This article is for general education and is not trading or investment advice.