Karnataka – Indian Sandalwood
Common Name: Indian Sandalwood
Local Name: Safed-Chandan (Hindi), Srigandha (Kannada), Sandanam (Tamil)
Scientific Name: Santalum album L.
Description: A medium-sized evergreen tree that grows up to a height of 18 m, with redwood and a variety of dark colors of the bark. The maroon-red flowers are borne in terminal cymes. The purplish fruits turn black when dry.
Distribution: The plant is native to the tropical belt of Peninsular India, Eastern Indonesia, and Northern Australia. In India, sandalwood is grown in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar.
Economic Importance: Sandalwood is the world’s second-most expensive wood. The aromatic yellow-brown colored heartwood is also one of the finest natural materials for carving. Sandal oil (containing high alpha santalol content) is used in perfumes, cosmetics, soaps, incense, and pharmaceuticals. Sandalwood is one of the most valuable trees associated with Indian culture. It is considered sacred and is used in various religious ceremonies.