"How Much Do You Know About Agarwood" What is native agarwood?

Do you know what Aquilaria sinensis is? Aquilaria sinensis—also known as the origin of Hong Kong's name—is a unique plant in Hong Kong, known for its diverse benefits for both mind and body. Let's learn more about Aquilaria sinensis!

Appearance of Agarwood

Aquilaria sinensis is an evergreen tree that can reach heights of up to 15 meters. Its stem is cylindrical and wrinkled with small branches. It has dark green, oval leaves with short, pointed tips, and its flowers emit a delicate fragrance at night.

(Pictures 1, 2, and 3: Agarwood flowers, stems and leaves)

The history of agarwood

• In terms of religion, agarwood has been regarded as the highest grade in the custom of burning incense and worshiping by the Chinese since ancient times . By burning incense to worship the gods of heaven and earth and ancestors, they can connect with the gods and ancestors.
• In terms of medicine, during the Song Dynasty, people believed that agarwood could treat symptoms such as pain, asthma, vomiting and hiccups.

(Figure 4: The fragrance of agarwood)

The origin of Hong Kong's name

The word "Hong Kong" (香) in its Chinese character for "香" (香) originates from the plant Aquilaria sinensis. Historical research indicates that during the Song Dynasty, large quantities of Aquilaria sinensis were cultivated, making Hong Kong a major producer. Aquilaria sinensis farmers shipped their products to Shek Pai Wan (present-day Aberdeen), where they were then traded to mainland China and Southeast Asia. At the time, Shek Pai Wan became a transshipment port for incense products, often known as the "Port of Incense," and "Hong Kong" became the name for the entire region.

(Figure 5: Old map of Hong Kong)

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The effects of agarwood

The resin secreted by the agarwood tree, as well as its wood and branches, after burning and refining, can bring a refreshing fragrance to the space, bring a sense of ritual to life, calm the mind and inspire inspiration. It also has a purifying effect in the home. It is the material that modern people use to make incense sticks , scented oils, candles and other fragrant products.

In religious terms, its aroma is believed to be antidepressant and joyful.

(Figure 6: Agarwood incense)

Agarwood has medicinal effects. From the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, agarwood is also one of the Chinese medicines. It has the functions of promoting qi and relieving pain, warming the middle and stopping vomiting, and relieving qi and asthma.

(Figure 7: Agarwood as a Traditional Chinese Medicine)

Origin of Agarwood

Currently, agarwood is primarily produced in countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, Brunei, and Malaysia. These countries have established agarwood plantations, where agarwood is cultivated semi-artificially and wild-cultivated. Consumers should be aware of the agarwood's origins to avoid purchasing illegal agarwood.

(Figure 8: Map of Agarwood Origin)

Agarwood from different regions also has different fragrances and odors. The soil, climate, and water quality all affect the flavor of agarwood. Even agarwood from the same region can have different aromas after burning, which is part of its charm.

The importance of agarwood to Hong Kong

According to a research report from Jiadaoli Farm, agarwood is a Feng Shui forest species and a native species. It provides habitat and nectar for local animals, contributing to the genetic diversity of the species. Increasing genetic diversity allows species to adapt to various environmental changes, resulting in higher survival rates and reduced vulnerability to environmental changes and pests and diseases.

Current status of agarwood

Agarwood's value makes it a target for illegal logging, placing it under serious threat. Agarwood trees must reach over a century old to produce top-quality resin. Its precious value and medicinal properties make it a commodity that merchants exploit for profit, exacerbating the problem of illegal logging and posing a threat to the ecosystem. For example, China's unique native agarwood is being harvested en masse for its medicinal properties, which satisfy the fervent demand in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

(Pictures 9 and 10: Agarwood trees illegally felled)

 

How to conserve agarwood

• All species of Aquilaria sinensis are listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species. Aquilaria sinensis is listed as a rare and precious plant in Hong Kong and is regulated under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Chapter 586 of the Laws of Hong Kong).
• The Hong Kong government has added fences around wild agarwood trees and cooperated with customs to establish import and export controls to prevent illegal logging.
• Citizens can cherish and protect the native agarwood in urban and rural areas, understand the origin of agarwood, and refuse to buy or sell illegal agarwood.

(Photo 11: The government has installed a fence around the Agarwood site)

Agarwood is a symbol of Hong Kong's history and the origin of the city's name. Xiangqiu hopes to make incense a symbol of Hong Kong and a popular souvenir by using traditional handcrafted incense products.