Description: A small evergreen tree with opposite leaves and small flowers that change colour as they mature. Its fragrant heartwood is highly valued.

Identification: Opposite leathery leaves; small flowers; red-purple to dark fruits; aromatic heartwood.

Habitat & distribution: Native range extends from Java to northern Australia; widely introduced and cultivated, including India.

Uses / importance: Fragrant heartwood and oil are traditionally used in perfumery, incense and cultural practices.

Taxonomy:
Kingdom – Plantae
Clade – Angiosperms
Clade – Eudicots
Order – Santalales
Family – Santalaceae
Genus – Santalum
Species – S. album

Sources: Kew POWO; IPNI; Indian forestry literature.