Indian Sandalwood Tree

Sandalwood is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree, scientifically known as Santalum album, which belongs to the family Santalaceae. It is native to the southern parts of India, Indonesia, and some other parts of Southeast Asia. The tree grows up to a height of 10 to 12 meters, with a grey-brown bark, and has a distinctive woody fragrance.

Sandalwood is well-known for its fragrant wood, which is heavy, yellow, and fine-grained. The wood is valued for its aromatic oil, which is extracted from the heartwood and used in perfumes, cosmetics, and aromatherapy. The oil is also used in traditional medicine to treat a range of ailments, including respiratory problems, digestive disorders, and skin conditions.

The leaves of the sandalwood tree are oval-shaped and dark green, while the flowers are small and inconspicuous, usually white or pale yellow in color. The tree produces a small, round, fleshy fruit, which is not commonly used.

Sandalwood is a slow-growing tree that prefers warm, tropical climates, and well-drained soils. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The tree requires moderate water and can withstand drought conditions to some extent.

Sandalwood is often propagated through seeds, and it takes several years for the tree to mature and produce heartwood. The wood of the sandalwood tree is highly prized and has been used for centuries in a range of cultural and religious practices, as well as in the perfume and cosmetic industry.