Singapore Government Logo

A Singapore Government Agency Website

Aquilaria malaccensis

Back

Aquilaria malaccensis Lamk.

Family Name: Thymelaeaceae
Synonyms: Aquilaria grandiflora
Common Name: Malayan Eaglewood Tree, Agarwood, Karas, Kayu Gaharu, Kekaras, Tengkaras

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Authority
Name Status (botanical)
Synonyms
Common Names
Comments

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Growth Form Tree (Big (>30m))
Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial

Biogeography

Local Conservation Status Native to Singapore (Vulnerable (VU))

Description and Ethnobotany

Growth Form It is a tree up to 40 m tall with an irregular crown.
Trunk Its smooth trunk has dark to pale grey, peeling outer bark and cream-white inner bark.
Foliage Its alternate, stalked leaves have thinly leathery leaf blades that are oval-oblong to oblong-lance-shaped, and 6–12 by 1.9–5.5 cm, with fine, parallel veinlets, and long tips.
Flowers Its fragrant flowers are green or dirty-yellow, 5–6 mm long, and found in shortly-stalked, 2.5 cm-long clusters of up to 10 together.
Fruit Its green fruits are flattened egg-shaped, rather woody, and 2.5–4 by 2.5 cm. Its pear-shaped seeds are covered with orange-brown hairs, and up to 10 by 6 mm, with one of its ends attached to the fruit by a twisted, stalk-like appendage.
Habitat It grows in lowland primary and secondary forests, and on hills and ridges, up to 750 m altitude.
Associated Fauna Its flowers are insect-pollinated.
Cultivation It can be propagated by seed.
Etymology Latin Aquilaria, eagle, after its common name in Malacca ― eagle wood; Latin malaccensis, of Malacca, referring to one locality in the natural distribution of this species.
Ethnobotanical Uses Medicinal: Scientific Evidence of Medicinal Properties
Based on research on the effect of Aquilaria malaccensis on animals, it has these medicinal properties: anti-inflammatory <2>

Traditional Medicinal Uses
In Asia countries like India, China, Japan, Taiwan, the plant is used in traditional medicine (Ayurveda and East Asian Medicine) to treat a wide variety of conditions, such as pain, asthma, vomitting, improve circulation, rheumatism and jaundice <1>.

It is important to note that some therapeutic effects from traditional medicinal uses of plants are not currently supported or verified by scientific research.
Timber & Products:  Undiseased trees produce very light wood known as karas. It is used for boxes, light indoor construction, and veneer.
Others: The old and diseased tree produces a fragrant wood known as kayu gaharu, hence its common Malay name. This wood is used as insect repellent, incense for ceremonial purposes, and in joss-sticks and perfumery. The inner bark is durable and strong, and made into clothes, ropes, and writing materials.

Landscaping Features

Landscape Uses Suitable for Roadsides, Parks & Gardens

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Full Sun
Water Preference Moderate Water
Plant Growth Rate Moderate to Slow
Rootzone Tolerance Well-Drained Soils
Propagation Method Seed

Foliar

Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Mature Foliage Texture(s) Leathery
Foliar Shape(s) Non-Palm Foliage
Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio 3.0 (Tree - Intermediate Canopy)

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower Colour(s) Green, Yellow / Golden

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Mature Fruit Colour(s) Green

References

References <1> Barden, A., Anak, N.A., Mulliken, T. & Song, M., et. al. (2000). Heart of the matter: Agarwood use and trade and CITES implementation for Aquilaria malaccensis. IUCN: 1-52.

<2> Yadav, D.K., Mudgal, V., Agrawal, J., Mayura, A.K., Bawankule, D.U., Chanotiya, C.S., Khan, F. & Thul, S.T. (2013). Molecular docking and ADME studies of natural compounds of Agarwood oil for topical anti-inflammatory activity. Current Computer-Aided Drug Design 9: 360-370.

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID 1425
Species ID 2718
Flora Disclaimer The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.
Species record last updated on: 26 October 2023.
Share