Sandalwood (Santalum album) is an aromatic tree valued for its long-lasting scent, medicinal properties, and cultural significance.

Features

• The fragrance is due to high levels of Santalol an organic compound.
• Sandalwood’s roots and heartwood are used for extracting essential oil.
• Sandalwood trees are hemi-parasitic ( grow’s only when attached to a suitable host tree).
• Sandalwood trees only have one life and when harvested loses it’s life.

Uses

• The tree has uses in cosmetic sector, for aroma, for religious practices and as antiseptic in traditional medicine.

Habitat

• Santalum album is found in the deciduous forests of the Deccan Plateau, mostly in the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Challenges (Threats)

• Fire
• Browsing by livestock
• Spike (little leaf) disease
• Smuggling

Sources: The Hindu