Indian Sandalwood (Santalum album)

Product description

Sandalwood is a wonderfully fragrant type of wood that comes from this small tropical tree from India. The wood from the tree used to be widely used in woodworking, but nowadays we know it mainly for its essential oil and incense. This is due to the sharp decline of this species in the wild due to overexploitation, which means that there are almost no older trees left to obtain the aromatic heartwood. That wood only gets its fragrance after 10 years and can actually only be harvested from 20 years onwards. Production of the essential oil and incense is currently being regulated by the Indian government to prevent further decline of the species. The oil is mainly used in perfumes and for skin applications, while the incense is used religiously within Hinduism. The name 'sandal' is derived from 'chandanan' which means 'wood for smoking incense' in Sanskrit. 

The species grows naturally in drier forests along the coast with plenty of sandy soil. It can reach a height of 9 metres there and, unusually, its roots can parasitise on those of other trees to obtain more nutrients. Already after 3 years, the tree can flower, after which the fruits formed are eaten by birds. When growing as a houseplant, you can give it a sand-rich soil and a sunny location with occasional watering. 

Sowing description: Soak seeds first in almost boiling water for 30 sec. Then transfer to lukewarm water and soak for 24 hours. Sow in sowing soil and allow to germinate at 22-25grC. Germination usually after 4-8 weeks, but may take longer.