Aquilaria filaria
Aquilaria filaria, commonly known as a relative of the precious agarwood tree, is a significant medicinal species native to Southeast Asian forests. Renowned for its bioactive compounds, this plant is traditionally utilized in various herbal remedies to treat inflammatory conditions, skin ailments, and respiratory issues through its aromatic resins.
- Scientific name: Aquilaria filaria
- Family: Thymelaeaceae
- Native range: Asia-Tropical
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Aquilaria filaria, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized under the order Malvales. Finally, it is a member of the family Thymelaeaceae and falls within the genus Aquilaria.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malvales | WCVP |
| Family | Thymelaeaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Aquilaria | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Aquilaria filaria, is known by various regional names depending on the language and culture. In Arabic, it is referred to as عود خيطي, while in Chinese, it is commonly called 丝沉香.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| ar | عود خيطي | Wikidata |
| zh | 丝沉香 | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific geographical range concentrated within the tropical regions of Southeast Asia and Oceania. Its presence is documented across the Malesia botanical region, specifically within the Maluku Islands. Additionally, it can be found inhabiting various parts of the Philippines. The species also extends into the Papuasia region, where it grows in New Guinea. These locations highlight its distribution within the humid, island ecosystems of the western Pacific.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Malesia | Maluku | WCVP |
| Malesia | Philippines | WCVP |
| Papuasia | New Guinea | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Aquilaria filaria, is most highly valued for the production of agarwood, a fragrant, resinous substance that forms within the heartwood. This precious material is not a natural part of the tree's healthy structure but is instead produced as a defense mechanism when the plant becomes infected by specific fungi or undergoes physical injury. As the tree reacts to these stressors, it produces a dark, aromatic resin that permeates the wood, transforming it into the highly sought-after agarwood used extensively in traditional medicines, incense, and luxury perfumes.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| agarwood | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Aquilaria filaria has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 2-(2-hydroxy-2-phenylethyl)chromone.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 2-(2-hydroxy-2-phenylethyl)chromone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |