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,
The best-known species is Santalum album, the true sandalwood, native to the Indian subcontinent and parts of
Conservation and trade concerns are significant. Many Santalum species have faced habitat loss and overexploitation for