Sandalwood Cultivation and Utilisation

Book excerpt: Santalum album L. (East Indian Sandalwood) is a medium sized semi-parasitic tree which can reach to a height of 33 to 66 feet in height. It is called as a miracle tree because of its immense uses in trade and traditional form of medicine in South East Asia. As it is semi parasitic in nature it prefers to “extract” nutrients from the roots of nearby plants by using haustoria. Essential oils of sandalwood have antispasmodic (relieve spasm of muscles), antibacterial (kill bacteria) and antiviral (kill viruses) properties. Sandalwood is used in treatment of inflammation, skin disorders, rashes, cough, fever, flu, hypertension and restlessness. Essential oils are used to improve functioning of liver, heart and stomach and to strengthen the gums of teeth and muscles. The fragrant oil from the wood is one of the choicest perfumery material in the world and is recently reported to be highly effective in treatment of breast cancer too. It is mentioned in ancient scriptures of and various ASEAN countries that every part of sandalwood is used for some or the other benefit of human beings. This book is a compilation of information published in scientific journals regarding the cultivation and utilisation of this wonder tree. The chapters in the book contain a wide array of information regarding its distribution, uses, diversity, nursery techniques, plantation technology, insects and pests in plantation, harvesting and utilisation of sandalwood. It is expected that the book shall provide a ready to refer information for people interested in Sandalwood cultivation in ASEAN countries and world over.