Gaharu, also known as agarwood or oud, is a highly valued, aromatic resinous wood. It originates from specific tree species, primarily within the Aquilaria and Gyrinops genera, found across Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and the Middle East. This wood forms when these trees are infected by a specific mold or fungus, triggering a defensive reaction. Its history spans over 2,000 years, establishing its cultural and spiritual significance in various regions.
How Gaharu Forms
Gaharu is a defensive response triggered by external factors, not a natural component of the tree. The process begins when Aquilaria and Gyrinops trees are wounded. These wounds become entry points for fungal infections, stimulating the tree’s defense mechanisms.
In response to the fungal invasion, the tree produces a dark, fragrant resin within its heartwood, concentrating around the infected areas. This resin accumulation gives gaharu its distinctive aroma. The formation process is inherently slow and inconsistent, meaning not every infected tree produces valuable gaharu. This contributes to its scarcity and high market value.
Uses of Gaharu
Gaharu’s complex and rich fragrance profile makes it sought after across various cultures and industries. One of its primary applications is in perfumery, where the distilled essence is known as oud oil. This oil is a prized ingredient in luxury perfumes, valued for its deep, woody, and often sweet or smoky notes.
Gaharu is also widely used as incense for spiritual and ceremonial practices. In many Asian cultures, burning gaharu incense creates a serene atmosphere for meditation and religious ceremonies, symbolizing purity and spiritual growth.
Gaharu also holds a historical place in traditional Asian medicine systems. It has been historically used to address a range of ailments, such as digestive issues, pain, and respiratory problems like asthma. While its use in these practices emphasizes its cultural significance, it is not presented as a medical claim.
Gaharu’s Global Status
The significant demand for gaharu, coupled with its natural rarity, has led to a high market value and substantial global trade. This demand has resulted in extensive over-harvesting of wild Aquilaria trees, pushing many species towards endangerment. Hunters often fell entire trees to find the resin.
To address the decline of wild populations, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) regulates the trade of Aquilaria and Gyrinops species, listing them on Appendix II to prevent their extinction. Despite these regulations, meeting export quotas remains challenging for some countries due to increasing scarcity.
As a sustainable alternative, cultivated gaharu plantations and artificial inoculation methods are being developed. These techniques involve wounding trees and injecting them with fungal solutions to stimulate resin production, offering a more controlled and faster process than natural formation. This shift aims to reduce pressure on wild trees and ensure a more stable supply for the future.