sandalwood

Sandalwood refers to several species of the genus Santalum, a group of tropical evergreen trees valued for their fragrant heartwood and essential oil. The most economically important species is Santalum album, native to the Indian subcontinent and nearby regions, whose heartwood develops a distinctive, warm, creamy, woody aroma. The essential oil, extracted by steam or hydro-distillation from the heartwood, is a major product in perfumery and aromatics. The scent tends to be enduring and smooth, contributing a characteristic base note in many fragrances.

Other sandalwood species include Santalum spicatum (Australian sandalwood) and various Pacific island species. Australia has become a major source of sandalwood oil from S. spicatum, while S. album production has historically depended on India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Southeast Asia. Sandalwood trees are generally slow-growing, and high-grade oil and wood are associated with mature trees and specific aging of the oil.

Uses of sandalwood span perfumery, cosmetics, incense, and religious or cultural rituals. The essential oil is employed in fragrances, aromatherapy, and skin-care products, while the heartwood is carved for decorative objects and used in ceremonial contexts. In some traditional practices, sandalwood paste or powder is applied for fragrance and purported medicinal properties.

Conservation and trade concerns: overharvesting, habitat loss, and illicit harvesting have affected sandalwood populations in parts of their range. Trade in sandalwood and its oil is regulated; some species are listed under international agreements such as CITES, and many jurisdictions limit harvest, processing, and export. Sustainable cultivation, stricter sourcing controls, and replanting programs are pursued to protect wild stands and secure supply.