Aquilaria Sinensis

Description

Aquilaria Sinensis is a plant species that belongs to the Thymelaeaceae family. It is well-known for producing agarwood, a valuable resin that is used in the production of incense, perfume, and traditional medicine. The tree can grow up to 20 meters tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 60 centimeters. It has a straight and cylindrical trunk, with a grayish-brown bark that is smooth and thin. The leaves are simple, alternate, and elliptical in shape. The flowers are small, yellowish-white, and grow in clusters. The fruit is a woody capsule that contains small seeds.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The Aquilaria Sinensis tree has a slender and tall appearance, with a straight and cylindrical trunk that can grow up to 20 meters tall. The leaves are simple, alternate, and elliptical in shape, with a dark green color and a smooth texture. The flowers are small, yellowish-white, and grow in clusters. The fruit is a woody capsule that contains small seeds. The most distinctive feature of the Aquilaria Sinensis tree is the production of agarwood, which is a valuable resin that is formed when the tree is infected by a certain type of fungus. This resin has a distinct aroma and is highly sought after in the perfume and incense industries.

Care Guide

The Aquilaria Sinensis tree requires moderate care to thrive. Here are some care tips:

• Water: The tree requires regular watering, especially during the first few years of growth. However, make sure not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot.
• Fertilization: The tree can benefit from regular fertilization, especially during the growing season. Use a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
• Soil: The tree prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Avoid planting the tree in heavy clay soil or soil that is prone to waterlogging.
• Sunlight: The tree prefers full to partial sunlight, and can tolerate some shade. Make sure to plant the tree in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• Hardiness Zones: The Aquilaria Sinensis tree prefers tropical to subtropical climates, and can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12.

Common Pests & Diseases

The Aquilaria Sinensis tree is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:

• Borers: These are insects that bore into the trunk and branches of the tree, causing damage and weakening the structure.
• Canker: This is a fungal disease that causes lesions on the bark of the tree, leading to dieback and eventual death.
• Powdery Mildew: This is a fungal disease that causes a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the tree, leading to reduced growth and vigor.
• Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the tree, causing them to rot and eventually leading to the death of the tree.

Habitat

The Aquilaria Sinensis tree is native to China and is found in several provinces, including Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan. It is commonly found in tropical and subtropical forests, growing on hillsides and in valleys. The tree prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to clayey. It is typically found at elevations of up to 1000 meters above sea level.

Question and Answer

Q: What is agarwood?

A: Agarwood is a valuable resin that is produced by the Aquilaria Sinensis tree when it is infected by a certain type of fungus. The resin has a distinct aroma and is highly sought after in the perfume and incense industries.

Q: How is agarwood harvested?

A: Agarwood is harvested by cutting into the trunk of the tree and removing the resinous wood. This process can be damaging to the tree and can lead to reduced growth and vigor.

Q: Is the Aquilaria Sinensis tree endangered?

A: Yes, the Aquilaria Sinensis tree is listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to overharvesting for agarwood production and habitat loss.

Q: Can the Aquilaria Sinensis tree be grown indoors?

A: No, the Aquilaria Sinensis tree requires full to partial sunlight and cannot be grown indoors.

Related Plants

• Aquilaria Crassna
• Aquilaria Malaccensis
• Aquilaria Subintegra
• Aquilaria Serrata

References

• “Aquilaria Sinensis.” IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/32277/9772146.
• “Aquilaria Sinensis.” PlantZAfrica, http://pza.sanbi.org/aquilaria-sinensis.
• “Aquilaria Sinensis.” World Agroforestry Centre, https://agroforestree.wur.nl/Database/Html/Aquilaria_sinensis.htm.