1. Overview of the Genus Aquilaria
- Family: Thymelaeaceae
- Type: Tropical trees/shrubs
- Significance: Source of agarwood (oud), a fragrant resin used in perfumery, incense, and traditional medicine.
- Distribution: Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia), South Asia, and some introduced regions.
- Resin Formation: Occurs when the tree is wounded or infected, usually by fungi such as Fusarium spp. The tree produces a dark, aromatic resin in response to stress.
2. Native Philippine Aquilaria Species
The Philippines is home to several native Aquilaria species, primarily found in lowland and montane forests. Key species:
| Species | Common Name | Distribution | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aquilaria malaccensis | Agarwood | Palawan, Mindoro, Panay | Critically endangered in the wild; highly valued for resin. |
| Aquilaria cumingiana | – | Luzon, Mindoro | Less commercially exploited; resin presence is low. |
Notes:
- A. malaccensis is the primary commercial species due to high-quality resin.
- Overharvesting, habitat loss, and illegal logging have made native species endangered.
3. Habitat and Ecology
- Native Habitat: Lowland to mid-montane forests (up to 1,000 m).
- Soil: Well-drained, sandy-loam to clay-loam; tolerates slightly acidic soils.
- Climate: Tropical rainforest; annual rainfall >1,500 mm; temperatures 22–32°C.
- Ecological Role: Supports forest biodiversity; provides food and habitat for insects, birds, and mammals.
5. Conservation Status
- CITES Appendix II: All Aquilaria species are regulated in international trade.
- Philippine Law: Protected under Philippine Wildlife Resources Act; illegal harvest is prohibited.
- Threats: Deforestation, illegal harvesting, low natural regeneration.
- Conservation Efforts:
- Propagation via nurseries and tissue culture
- Agroforestry integration to reduce pressure on wild populations
- Community-based sustainable cultivation
6. Key Takeaways
- A. malaccensis dominates commercial use in the Philippines.
- Native species are endangered, necessitating sustainable cultivation.
- Introduced and hybrid species are used to enhance resin yield and support plantations.
- Conservation and legal compliance are critical due to international trade restrictions.