Botanical Name: Santalum album

Family: Santalaceae

Sanskrit name: Shweta chandana

English name: Sandal wood

Tamil name: Chandanam

Hindi name: Safed chandan

Kannada name: Shreegandha

Habit: Tree

Habitat: Inhabits well drained red soil

Conservation status:Vulnerable

Plant Description:

Plant initially parasites on other plant roots, later grow as independent tree. It grows upto a height of 10m. Bark reddish-brown, with vertical scissors. Leaves elongated born on thin stalks,glaucous(dull grayish-green) beneath. Flowers are small, bright red. Fruit is globose, small, turns black on maturity.Eeach fruit contains a single seed.

Distribution: India and Malaysia

Part used: Heartwood

Medicinal uses:

Applied externally to relieve burning sensation, headache, excess sweating and bad odor, useful in bleeding disorders, improves complexion.

Other uses: Fine carving artifacts, Garland preparation.

Ecological Significance: Attracts butterflies and birds for its edible fruits.

Propagation through: Seeds