Indian Sandalwood

Category: Environment | Agriculture | Forest Resources

UPSC Notes

Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) is an aromatic tree valued for its fragrant heartwood and essential oil. It is native to parts of the Indian subcontinent and has long-standing economic, cultural and religious importance.

Sandalwood is a hemiparasitic plant: it can photosynthesise but obtains water and nutrients through connections with host plants.

Key Pointers

  • Scientific name: Santalum album.

  • Family: Santalaceae.

  • Important growing region: Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, along with other suitable areas.

  • Commercial product: Sandalwood oil, used in perfumery, cosmetics and traditional products.

  • Ecological feature: Hemiparasitic growth habit.

  • Major threats: Illegal felling, overexploitation, diseases and habitat loss.

  • Conservation: Cultivation, regulated harvesting, traceability and protection of natural populations.

  • Cultural significance: Used in religious ceremonies, incense and traditional crafts.

UPSC focus: Forest-based livelihoods, sustainable harvesting, plant ecology and biodiversity conservation.