Aquilaria sinensis Seeds | Chinese Eaglewood Chen Xiang Wood
LATIN NAME: Aquilaria sinensis
COMMON NAME: Chen Xiang
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Chen Xiang (Aquilaria sinensis) stands out as a tall, evergreen tree in the agarwood family. It grows steadily into upright, open crown, and it stands warm, humid climate well. It likes sun or light shade, and deep, moist, well-drained soil. Together these qualities explain its long-standing appeal to gardeners.
Science & Biotechnology
This tree produces agarwood — chen xiang — the most valuable fragrant wood on earth, formed only when the tree responds to fungal infection or wounding by saturating its heartwood with sesquiterpenes and chromones such as agarotetrol. The Chinese Pharmacopoeia lists the resinous wood as a drug for pain and qi stagnation, and laboratory studies document sedative, analgesic and gastrointestinal actions. Over-harvesting of wild trees led to CITES Appendix II listing for all Aquilaria species, so cultivated and legally inoculated wood is the only ethical source — and growing the tree is the true beginning of that chain.
Research touching on Aquilaria sinensis ranges from the botany of the agarwood family to practical horticulture, including seed handling, propagation and the selection of superior forms. Fragrant resinous heartwood of chen xiang gives it a recognised place in research on resin-forming trees of agarwood family, and sinensis species appears in studies of wound-response wood and fragrant-wood tropical plants. Interest from collectors and breeders has never lapsed, and good seed continues to circulate.
Uses & Benefits
Chen Xiang brings genuine presence to the garden and earns its keep across the growing season. In warm forest, chen xiang resins workshop with dark, scented wood. Fragrant timber serves incense and carving for generations, small fruits feed wildlife, and tree makes fine shade and plantation tree. It thrives in deep, moist, well-drained ground. Routine care after establishment is refreshingly light.
When aquilaria wood is infected by certain fungi, it produces agarwood, Chen Xiang, the most precious incense wood in the world and a valued Chinese medicinal resin used to move qi and calm the spirit. Sustainable plantation inoculation is now replacing wild harvest.
Growing from Seed
Raising Chen Xiang from seed is straightforward. Sow on the surface of a gritty, well-drained mix, cover lightly with fine compost, and maintain gentle, even moisture in a sunny position. Once the seedlings have made true leaves, pot them on individually and plant out when they are sturdy and conditions are right.
Our Take
Chen Xiang repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
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