Chandana Santalum album is a species of flowering plant in the citrus family Rutaceae. The plant is endemic to the Indian subcontinent, where it is known as sandalwood. The species is distributed in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Bhutan.
Sandalwood is a small to medium-sized tree that grows up to 15 m in height. The trunk is typically straight and cylindrical, with a diameter of 30-50 cm. The bark is thin and smooth, with a reddish-brown to greyish-brown color. The leaves are simple, opposite, and ovate-lanceolate in shape. They are 6-12 cm long and 3-5 cm wide, with a smooth margin. The flowers are white, borne in clusters of 3-5. The fruit is a drupe, 5-6 mm in diameter.
The wood of sandalwood is heavy, hard, and yellowish-brown in color. It has a fine grain and a distinctive fragrance. The heartwood is used in the manufacture of furniture, musical instruments, carvings, and other wood products. The oil is used in perfumes, cosmetics, and incense.
Benefits:
Sandalwood has a wide range of benefits, both medicinal and spiritual.
The oil is used to treat a variety of skin conditions, such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. It is also effective in treating respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and asthma.
The wood is used in ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of digestive disorders, urinary tract infections, and reproductive problems.
Sandalwood is considered a sacred wood in many cultures. It is used in religious ceremonies and rituals, and is believed to have spiritual and healing properties.
How to care:
Sandalwood is a slow-growing tree and does not require much care. It can be grown in any type of soil, but prefers well-drained, sandy soils. The tree is drought-resistant and can tolerate moderate amounts of rainfall. It requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth.
The tree can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in spring or early summer. Cuttings can be taken from semi-ripe wood in late summer or early autumn.
Water requirement:
Sandalwood is a drought-resistant tree and can tolerate moderate amounts of rainfall. It requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth.
Type of Soil:
Sandalwood can be grown in any type of soil, but prefers well-drained, sandy soils.
Pruning:
Chandana is a slow-growing tree and does not require much pruning.
Fertilizing:
Fertilize sandalwood trees every two to three years with a balanced fertilizer.
Ideal location:
Chandana prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth.
Pests and diseases:
Chandana is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot and stem borers.
Propagation:
The tree can be propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in spring or early summer. Cuttings can be taken from semi-ripe wood in late summer or early autumn.
Landscape uses:
Chandana makes an excellent specimen tree or hedge. It can also be planted in large pots or containers.