Aquilaria sinensis 土沉香 Incense Tree

A native of Hong Hong, mature incense trees produce a dark and fragrant resin in response to wounding and fungal infection. Otherwise, the wood of healthy uninfected trees is light and lacks aroma. The fragrant resin is highly valued in Chinese medicine and in the making of incense and perfumes. The name of Hong Kong – literally “Fragrant Harbour” – is believed to have originated from its groves of incense trees and its flourishing incense products export trade centuries ago. In recent years, Aquilaria sinensis in the wild has become a threatened species because of indiscriminate illegal logging for its precious resin.