White Sandal

🔹 Introduction

White Sandalwood, scientifically known as Santalum album, is a small, evergreen tree famous for its aromatic heartwood and essential oil. It is one of the most valuable trees in the world due to its medicinal, religious, and commercial uses. It is native to southern India and Southeast Asia.

🔹 Botanical Features

• Height: 4 to 9 meters

• Leaves: Thin, opposite, and shiny green

• Flowers: Small, purplish or reddish

• Type: Semi-parasitic evergreen tree

🔹 Growing Conditions

• Climate: Tropical and subtropical

• Soil: Well-drained red loamy soil (slightly alkaline or neutral)

• Watering: Moderate; sensitive to waterlogging

• Sunlight: Full sunlight required

• Host Plants Needed: Yes (e.g., neem, pigeon pea, casuarina)

🔎 Note: It is a semi-root parasite, depending partly on host plants for nutrients.

🔹 Cultivation & Harvesting

• Growth Time: Takes 15–20 years to mature

• Propagation: Mostly through seeds

• Maintenance: Requires care during early years; regular trimming and protection

• Intercropping: Beneficial for both plant health and income generation

🔹 Economic Importance

• Heartwood: Used in furniture, carving, and religious items

• Sandalwood Oil: Used in perfumes, soaps, cosmetics, and incense

• Market Value: Extremely high; often called “Green Gold”

• Long-term Returns: Ideal for plantation investment due to high profit on maturity

🔹 Uses

• Religious: Used in Hindu and Buddhist rituals

• Medicinal: Used in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine to treat skin issues, anxiety, and infections

• Cosmetics & Fragrance: Base for perfumes, attars, and skincare products

🔹 Legal Regulations

• Status: Protected tree under Indian law

• Permission Required: Yes, for planting, cutting, and selling

• Governance: Monitored by forest departments to prevent illegal trade

⚠️ Overharvesting and smuggling have led to its decline, making it a “vulnerable” species according to IUCN.

🔹 Conservation Efforts

• Government programs are promoting regulated private plantations

• Awareness campaigns for sustainable cultivation

• New policies in states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu encourage farmers to grow sandalwood with proper documentation