What is oud?

What is Oud?

Agarwood most commonly referred to as oud or oudh is a fragrant, dark and resinous wood used in incense and perfume. It forms in the heartwood of Aquilaria trees after they become infected. The tree defensively secretes a resin to combat the fungal infestation. Prior to becoming infected, the heartwood mostly lacks scent, and is relatively light and pale in colouration. However, as the infection advances and the tree produces its fragrant resin as a final option of defense, the heartwood becomes very dense, dark, and saturated with resin.

Oud is prized in Middle Eastern and South Asian cultures for its distinctive fragrance and pleasant odor, utilized in colognes, incense and perfumes.