What Is Agarwood?
slug: what-is-agarwood
type: definition
title: What Is Agarwood?
description: Agarwood is the fragrant resinous heartwood of Aquilaria trees, prized for deep, woody, resinous scent. Learn how it forms, why it is rare, and how it is graded.
locales: [en]
The short answer
Agarwood (also called oud) is the dark, resin-saturated heartwood that forms inside Aquilaria trees after injury and fungal infection. The tree defends itself by producing resin, and over years that resin hardens into fragrant wood.
Why agarwood is rare
- Only a small percentage of Aquilaria trees produce resin naturally.
- It takes years to decades for resin to accumulate.
- Wild sources are depleted and protected, so supply is limited.
How agarwood is graded
Grading considers resin density, aroma profile, and origin. Common terms include sinking grade (resin so dense the wood sinks), ordinary grade, and the rarest grades such as Kyara.
VANCIRA's approach
VANCIRA selects agarwood for stable resin, natural grain, and layered aroma that moves from cooling sweetness into warm wood — material you can feel and wear.