Sandalwood
Family
Santalaceae
Other Common Names
None
Distribution
Native to the southern regions of India, growing best on dry, stony, but fertile soils. Other species widely scattered from the Malay Archipelago to Australia and the Pacific islands including Hawaii.
The Tree
A small tree up to about 25 to 40 ft in height, with trunk diameters usually 4 to 6 in.
The Wood
General Characteristics
Heartwood light yellowish brown when freshly cut, turning dark brown on exposure, and with further aging, to a dark reddish brown; sapwood whitish. Texture very fine and even; grain straight, sometimes wavy; dull to somewhat lustrous, with oily feel; heartwood with a strong fragrant scent that persists, without characteristic taste.