What turns wood into oud?
Oud is fragrant, resin-rich wood from certain trees, notably the genera Aquilaria and Gyrinops. Resin develops as part of the tree’s response to stress or injury. Ordinary wood and resin-rich agarwood are therefore not the same material.
Agarwood-producing trees occur across parts of South and Southeast Asia. Each species has its own range, so a country name alone does not identify the tree.
Natural, cultivated or enhanced?
Cultivated describes trees that were planted; resin formation may be induced. Enhanced is a commercial term that can refer to treatments applied after harvest. These descriptions address different stages.
Natural also needs clarification. Does the seller mean unperfumed wood, or a wild tree? Ask separately about cultivation, resin induction and subsequent processing.
Read the name. Then look further.
“Royal”, “Triple” and “VIP” help retailers distinguish selections, but do not offer a reliable comparison across sellers on their own. Find out what the term means for the product in front of you.
Look for actual photos, a clear description of processing and a sample when available. Origin is one part of the story; experiencing the aroma is another.
General references on agarwood trees and formation. They do not certify the origin or quality of our products.