I am a tropical tree producing fragrant sandalwood heartwood and oil.

Native to southern India; cultivated across Asia.

Moderately drought-tolerant; water weekly when young.

Requires full sun to partial shade.

Thrives in 20–35°C; sensitive to frost.

Plant in well-drained red sandy-loam soil; spacing 3–4 meters apart; requires host plants (semi-parasitic).

Minimal; compost annually; relies on host plants for nutrients.

Botanical name: Santalum album; Family: Santalaceae.

Non-toxic; not used as fodder.

Moderate; aromatic oils repel insects.

Provides sandalwood oil for perfumes, incense, Ayurveda, and rituals; wood used for carvings.

Susceptible to sandal spike disease, leaf spot, and borers.

Can live 60–100 years; harvestable heartwood in 15–20 years.