Santalum spicatum

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Santalum spicatum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Santalales Family: Santalaceae Genus: Santalum Species: spicatum
Binomial name
Santalum spicatum (R.Br.) A.DC.

Santalum spicatum, a species of sandalwood, is a tree native to semi-arid areas of southern and western Australia. It yields one of the of woods traded as sandalwood, which commands high prices. To preserve this important resource from overexploitation the government protects some stands.^{[1] [2] [3]}

It belongs to the family Santalaceae and is one of four species to occur in Western Australia.^[4] It grows in the same habitat as a quandong (Santalum acuminatum); both are semi-parasitic and have a similar habit. They both grow to 5-6 metres, the sandalwood's foliage is greyer in colour ^[5] and the quandong's greener. ^[6] The fruit of both is spherical, about 3 cm in diameter. The quandong is bright red and edible while the sandalwood fruit is orange and inedible.

Both have a spherical kernel, which forms the bulk of the fruit; the sandalwood's is smoother and the quandong's more pitted. Both are very difficult to germinate, requiring warm, moist conditions not normally found in their natural habitat. In most years they would not naturally germinate. Possibly they depend on the el nino cycle. Success has been reported by placing the kernels in moist vermiculite in sealed plastic bags at room temperature. Once germinated, it should be planted next to a (preferably Australian native) seedling, and watered adequately.

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