Aloewood

A gemus of 15 species of tropical shrubs and trees, native to India and Malaysia. Aquillaria malaccensis, found in primary forest at low and medium altitudes, is believed to be the aloes of the Bible. According to legend, all trees are decended from a single shoot of it, taken by Adam from the garden of Eden. The heartwood, known as "agallochum", contains a dark resin (chuwar, or agar attar) with an odor similar to sandalwood. Known as jinkoh in Japan, it is a highly prized and very costly ingredient of incense. Aquilaria malaccensis is valued throughout Asia for its decorative, fine-grained, aromatic wood. It also has a long history of use in traditional Chinese, Ayurvedic, and Unani medicine. Similar species include the Chinese A. sinensis, which is cultivated as a substitute for A. malaccensis and A. crassna from Cambodia

Evergreen tree with a smooth, pale trunk and thin, leathery, pointed, narrowly oblong leaves, 7-12cm (3-5in) long. Umbels of insignificant, bell-shaped, green to dull yellow flowers are followed by capsules containing red, hairy seeds.

Common Name:	Aloewood
Other Names:	Eaglewood, lignin aloes
Botanical Name:	Aquilaria malaccensis syn. A. gallocha
Genus:	Aquilaria
Family:	Thymelaeaceae
Native Location:	Malaysia
Cultivation:	Well-drained, rich soil in partial shade, with ample humidity. Saplings are planted out when 60-80cm (24-32in) tall, in a shady site.
Propagation:	By seed sown when ripe at 19-25°C (66-77°F). Seeds are short-lived and take 15-30 days to germinate.
Harvest:	Heartwood and bark are taken from trees at least 50 years old, and dried for decoctions or distilled for resin.
Height:	40m (130ft)
Width:	3-12m (10-40ft)
Hardiness:	Min. 15-18°C (59-64°F)
Parts Used:	Bark, wood, resin
Properties:	An astringent, stimulant, tonic herb that relieves spasms, especially of the digestive and respiratory systems, and lowers fevers.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for digestive and bronchial complaints, fevers, and rheumatism (bark, wood).
Culinary Uses:	Used in Malaysia to flavor curries.
Economic Uses:	Used for perfumery and incense (resin). Wood is carved as setting for precious stones.
Bibliography:	Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pps. 125-126