Santalum

Santalum is a genus of flowering plants in the sandalwood family Santalaceae. The genus comprises about 19 recognized species of trees and shrubs, many of which are hemi-parasitic, obtaining water and nutrients from other plants. Santalum species are renowned for their fragrant heartwood, which yields sandalwood oil rich in essential aromatic compounds and is valued in perfumery, cosmetics, and traditional practices.

Santalum species are native to tropical Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. They typically inhabit woodlands, dry forests, and coastal regions, often in sandy or well-drained soils. Many species are root hemiparasites, attaching their roots to host plants to access resources. Flowers are usually small and inconspicuous, and the fruit is a drupe adapted for dispersal by birds.

The best-known species is Santalum album, the true sandalwood, native to the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia. Santalum spicatum, or Australian sandalwood, is native to southwestern Australia. Sandalwood oil is extracted from the heartwood by steam distillation or solvent extraction and is prized for its aromatic composition, including sesquiterpenes such as santalenes and santalols. Beyond oil, the wood is used for carving and religious or ceremonial purposes in various cultures.

Conservation and trade concerns are significant. Many Santalum species have faced habitat loss and overexploitation for their valuable heartwood. Trade is regulated by international instruments such as CITES, and sustainable management, habitat protection, and cultivation programs are encouraged to reduce pressure on wild populations.