Aloeswood (Agarwood/Oud)

Aloeswood, also known as agarwood or oud, is a highly prized and aromatic resinous wood that comes from the Aquilaria tree species, primarily Aquilaria malaccensis. The wood develops its characteristic fragrance when infected with a specific type of mold, which triggers a natural defense mechanism in the tree, resulting in the production of resin.

The resin that forms within the wood is dark, dense, and rich in aromatic compounds. It's highly valued in perfumery, incense making, and traditional medicine across various cultures, particularly in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and East Asia.

Aloeswood is renowned for its complex and intoxicating scent, which is often described as woody, earthy, musky, and slightly sweet. It's commonly used as a base note in perfumes and colognes and is a prized ingredient in high-end fragrances. In incense making, aloeswood is often burned on its own or blended with other aromatic materials to create luxurious and fragrant incense sticks or chips. Due to its rarity and demand, genuine aloeswood can be quite expensive.