Aquilaria crassna AGARWOOD (5 seeds)

Agarwood, aloeswood also known as Calambac, eaglewood, is a slow-growing tropical plant from the Thymelaeaceae family. It is a large tree native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia that can reach a height of 10 meters. Aquilaria crassna signifies "perfume wood" due to the scent it emits.

Its leaves are simple and alternate, generally measuring between 8 and 15 centimeters in length. They have an elliptical to oblong shape, with smooth edges and a slightly leathery texture. Their color varies from dark green to olive green, and the surface is often glossy. The leaves are arranged to maximize sun exposure, thus promoting photosynthesis in the shaded environments where the tree often grows.

The flowers are small and discreet, generally grouped in inflorescences. They are cream to yellowish in color and have a tubular shape. Each flower is surrounded by bracts, making them more visible amidst the dense foliage. Flowering takes place during the wet season.

Its fruits are woody capsules, measuring about 2 to 4 centimeters in length. At maturity, these capsules open to release winged seeds, facilitating their dispersal by the wind. The fruits are generally brownish in color with a rough texture. They appear a few months after flowering and are often visible during the dry season.

Agarwood seeds are rounded with a point, brown in color, and possess a very distinctive black "tail."

- Properties and Uses:

Agarwood has the unique characteristic of secreting a highly fragrant resin. The dry resin powder or the essential oil extracted from it is extremely sought after in traditional Asian medicine and increasingly by the cosmetic, paper, and incense industries.

It is renowned for its pleasant scent and is found in the composition of perfumes, essential oils, and incense. Agarwood is often used in religious or spiritual practices as a fumigant to encourage meditation. Today, Aquilaria species are very rare due to the double threat of deforestation in the wild and overexploitation.

- Sowing and Germination:

• The period for sowing eaglewood begins during the summer season; spring is far too cold to successfully carry out the sowing.
• Sow the seeds in a mix of sand and fine horticultural seed-starting soil.
• It is important to plant them head down.
• Water the planting using a sprayer.
• Place the culture in a greenhouse at a temperature of 30 to 35°C.
• Germination will begin 4 to 8 weeks after sowing.

- Soil and Substrate:

This tree prefers a draining, light substrate rich in organic matter to develop well. A mix of potting soil, sand, and compost is ideal to encourage good rooting and prevent water stagnation. A slightly acidic pH is also recommended.

- Exposure:

This tropical species needs a slightly shaded exposure to thrive properly. A location with direct sunlight during part of the day promotes healthy growth, but it is essential to avoid excessive sunburn, especially in very hot regions.

- Temperature and Hardiness:

Perfume wood is sensitive to extreme temperatures. It prefers warm conditions, with ideal temperatures between 20 and 30°C. Temperatures below 15°C can hinder its growth, while excessively high temperatures without adequate humidity can also be stressful. It is a frost-sensitive plant that will not survive the winter cold.

- Watering:

Watering must be regular but moderate. It is important to keep the soil slightly moist without saturating it. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while soil that is too dry can stress the plant. During active growth periods, watering every two days is advised, while during dormancy, it can be reduced to once every 15 days.

- Propagation:

It reproduces primarily sexually through its seeds but can also be propagated by woody stem cuttings.

- Pests and Diseases:

Aquilaria crassna is exposed to various pests such as caterpillars and aphids, which damage leaves and young shoots. It is also vulnerable to fungal and bacterial diseases, such as dieback caused by Phytophthora, which causes leaf spots and yellowing.