Aquilaria sinensis aka Chinese Agarwood

Aquilaria sinensis belongs to the Thymelaeaceae family. This evergreen tree keeps its leaves all year. It comes from southeastern China and Hainan. Its common names include agar wood and white wood incense. It grows in lowland forests and on sunny slopes. It also grows by roads in its native range. Kew places it in the subtropical climate zone.

The tree grows at a slow rate. It reaches about 49 feet [15 metres] in height. PFAF gives a spread of about 39 feet [12 metres]. Its leaves keep warm gardens green throughout the year. Its flowers have calyx lobes about 0.3 inches long. These are parts of the flower's outer cup. This trait helps tell it apart from related agarwood trees. The sources give few more facts about its leaves or fruit.

Grow the tree in sun and moist soil that drains well. PFAF states that it does not grow in shade. It grows in sand, loam and clay, even poor soils. Heavy soils suit it, but sandy loams support good growth too. It copes with ground that is mildly acid or mildly alkaline. Neutral soil suits it too. The sources say it prefers warm, wet lowlands. PFAF lists it for USDA zones 10–12. It is said to prefer high rainfall and warm nights.

This tree yields agarwood, a scented wood prized for incense and perfume. People also grow it for wood and fibre. Much of its worth comes from its resin. High prices have led people to cut too many wild trees. They fell both healthy and diseased trees to seek valuable wood. Useful Tropical Plants gives its IUCN status as Vulnerable. Trial plantations have tested ways to help agarwood form. These trials seek other options than cutting wild trees.

Grow new trees from fresh seed. Sow it soon, as it loses its power to sprout within about a month. PFAF advises light shade for seed beds and young plants. Seeds start to sprout after about ten to twelve days. The full batch may take a month to sprout. Insects can cause great harm to seedlings. The sources list no known edible uses or hazards. This does not prove safety for people or pets. Traditional medicine uses the wood to treat a range of complaints. These include problems with digestion and breathing. These reports do not prove that such treatments work.