Family: Santalaceae
Common name: Sandal, Sandalwood, Indian sandalwood, Sandal tree, True sandalwood, Sendana, Chandanam, Chandan, Chandanamaram, White Indian sandalwood, East Indian sandalwood, Santal blanc, Chandal, Safed chandan, Sandanam
Sandalwood is a small, but prestigious tree renowned world over for its aromatic heartwood that’s used in making cosmetics and soaps. This tree is native to India and other regions of Southeast Asia, and is now considered a species under threat.
Tree characteristics
Sandalwood trees are small and compact, growing to a height of 9-10 meters under optimal conditions. Trunk is relatively thin, about 20-40 cm in diameters, growing straight or slightly crooked. Bark is greyish-brown, initially smooth, gradually becoming darker and rougher with age.
The heartwood or the central part of the tree is where the sandalwood oil comes from. This part is yellowish-brown in color, dense and highly aromatic. It is also very durable and hence was used for wood carvings in olden days, when Sandalwood was abundant.
Leaves are elliptical or lance-shaped, about 8-12 cm long, with a dark green glossy texture. Sandalwood leaves are evergreen, providing year-round beauty to gardens and landscaped areas.
Sandalwood trees produce small, fragrant flowers that are yellowish-green in color about .5-1 cm in diameter. Each flower has five petals and numerous stamens.
The trees flower during July-August, producing fruits when the weather gets colder. The gentle fragrance of the flowers attract pollinators like small birds, insects, and bees to the trees.
Fruits of the Sandalwood tree are small drupes about 1-2 cm long. They are initially light green, ripening to red, and then a dark purple color. The fruit contains a single seed surrounded by a fleshy coating. Fruits are sometimes eaten by small animals that help in propagation.
Gardening tips
Most areas in India have restrictions on growing Sandalwood, and also regulations about growing them for personal use vs. commercial use. So you have to be careful before planting Sandalwood trees in your garden; do so after checking with the local authorities.
Sandalwood trees need good direct sunlight and well-drained soil with good aeration. Watering and fertilization is needed only when the tree is small.
The trees take over 10 years to reach maturity, but the sandalwood oil can be extracted only after 20 years.
The oil is extracted by cutting down the trees and removing the heartwood.
Pruning can be done in the early stages to help the tree grow rounded and compact. Sandalwood trees are relatively tolerant of pests, but there can be aphid infestations on tender leaves.
Uses of Sandalwood trees
International Union for Conservation of Nature has declared Sandalwood as ‘vulnerable‘ species, due to over-exploitation for commercial use.
Individuals are not allowed to cut the tree, or harvest sandalwood oil, without specific permission from State officials. There is also a ban placed by the Govt of India for the export of timber. For these reasons, the trees are not commonly seen in gardens or parks.
Parts of the tree were used traditionally to treat fever, digestive problems, abdominal pain, and urinary disorders. Paste made from the wood is used to improve skin health.
Sandalwood oil is used to make soaps, shampoos, perfumes, incense sticks, potpourri, and a range of cosmetics.
Oil obtained from the seeds is used in manufacturing paints, and also as lamp oil. In olden days, funeral pyres were made with Sandalwood, but it’s not done now due to the scarcity and high value of Sandalwood.
It is considered sacred by many religions and used in sacred ceremonies.
Propagation
Propagation is through seeds and stem cuttings. Seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before sowing them in moist, well-drained soil. Seeds usually germinate in 2-4 weeks. Stem cuttings can be taken from healthy trees and replanted to produce new saplings.
Photographed at: Chikmagalur, and Nandi hills area, Bangalore
