Santalum album (Santalum album)

Other names: white sandalwood, sandalwood, zandal, sandal, chandana, Santali albi lignum, Tan Xiang, 谭湘, sandalwood

Santalum album is a highly prized tree species, which is considered the world's most expensive wood. This plant belongs to the Santalaceae family and is native to Asia with the largest stands mainly in India and the Indonesian islands. The Santal tree usually grows to 4-9 metres, rarely up to 15 metres. This evergreen, slow-growing shrub or tree has small, glossy leaves and small, dark purple to black fruits. Sandalwoods are parasitic plants that need a host plant from which to grow and from which they obtain the necessary nutrients.

The most valuable part of the white sandalwood tree is its wood, which is known for its distinctive scent. This scent is durable and can last for decades. This makes it widely used in perfumery as an ingredient in luxury fragrances. Sandalwood also contains resin oil, which is used in aromatherapy and cosmetics, for example in lotions, soaps, and shampoos. In addition, the wood from this plant is used for furniture, souvenirs and various types of art objects. In some cultures, notably Buddhism and Hinduism, sandalwood also has a place in religious rituals - it is included in incense sticks and, in the case of Hinduism, is even used in cremations. The white sandalwood is therefore used in many different products and its uses are truly wide-ranging.