Agarwood ǀ Aquilaria malaccensis
Agar is a beautiful, tall hardwood and the tree is listed as vulnerable in the wild.
First-grade agarwood is one of the most expensive natural raw materials in the world, as high as US$100,000/kg and therefore, illegal logging is a common problem in Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar.
Since 1995, Aquilaria malaccensis, the primary source, has been listed in Appendix II (potentially threatened species) by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
This tree grows particularly well in Thailand's evergreen dedictious forests.
The price of 150 USD includes planting the tree, watering, giving organic nutrition and cutting weed for the next 30 years. It ensures the land will not be used for other purposes than sustainable forestry.
The price includes a hand-carved wooden plaque showing the owner's name, the species and the year it was planted.
Native to
Thailand, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Indonesia
Size
Agarwood can reach up to 40 meters in height with a trunk diameter of 1 to 1.5 meters.
Life expectancy
Aquilaria malaccensis can grow 500 to 1000 years old. It's the age of the tree that makes it invaluable. Due to illegal logging, trees older than 100 years are nearly extinct in the wild.
Uses
The fragrant wood of Aquilaria maleccenis is highly priced in the perfume industry and Agar is an excellent hardwood to make furniture. Due to an export ban by the Thai government, most trade is illegal and there is a strong demand by the Chinese middle and upper class.