Wood Anatomical Structure of Aquilaria malaccensis Associated with Agarwood Occurrence and the Uses of Agarwood

Agarwood has many uses, mainly perfumery, frankincense, pharmaceuticals, and medicinal and ritual practice. This chapter aims to elaborate on the anatomical structure of Aquilaria malaccensis wood in relation to agarwood resin formation. J. Liu et al. described the aromatic odour of agarwood as pleasing and complex. The aroma from agarwood when it is burnt is widely used in the art of incense in China and Japan. Agarwood producing a softer aroma is considered to be a higher grade agarwood compared to an agarwood emitting a strong aroma. This type of agarwood is more favorable and expensive. Low-quality agarwood pieces produce a woody odour that irritates the nose and eyes. The weight and density of A. malaccensis wood increase when the wood cells are impregnated with resin. Fibre cells are the main tissues in the A. malaccensis wood stem, branches and roots. The vessel elements in A. malaccensis show variations in structure, shape and cell morphology.