Why is sandalwood tree so expensive?

The Indian sandalwood is perhaps the planet’s most expensive wood because of its cosmetic and therapeutic value. There is huge international demand for it with its highly priced fragrant heartwood. This tree grows very well in South Indian soil especially in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

Which sandalwood tree is best?

1. Indian Chandan. The most famous source of sandalwood, this small tropical tree is native to south India. It can grow up to 13- 20 feet in height and holds various medicinal properties.

Is growing sandalwood tree legal?

Growing sandalwood by individuals was banned until 2002. Today, we can grow the trees but it is illegal to cut and harvest the wood, use it or sell it in the open market. Permission is required from the state forest department, which sends its officials to cut the tree and buy the sandalwood.

Does sandalwood tree attract snakes?

Do they like the fragrance of sandalwood or is it something else. As far as the labor of snakes is concerned, scientists have proved that snakes do not have the labor of smell. But the snakes are wrapped around the sandalwood tree, not because of the scent of sandalwood but to keep themselves cool.

What is the cost of sandalwood per kg?

Today, it costs anywhere between Rs. 65,000 per kg (if it is extracted from smuggled wood) and Rs 1.5 lakh per kg.

How fast do sandalwood trees grow?

Though returns on sandalwood cultivation are very high in which naturally grown sandalwood tree takes 30 years to be ready for harvesting whereas intensive cultivation in organic methods gives quick results in 10 to 15 years.

How can you tell real red sandalwood?

Smell the powder to see if it has a mild fragrance. Give the sandalwood powder a good sniff to see if it has the subtle, but distinct sweet, creamy woody smell of sandalwood. Additionally, if you can’t smell anything, then the powder may be diluted and impure.

How big is a Santalum paniculatum sandalwood tree?

The wood can be used for carving, arts, handicraft, and decorative furniture. Santalum paniculatum is an evergreen Tree growing to 7.5 m (24ft) by 7.5 m (24ft) at a slow rate. It is hardy to zone (UK) 10. The flowers are pollinated by Bees, Insects.

What kind of tree smells like sandalwood?

The flowers have a pleasant sandalwood smell. J.F. Rock notes: “The older and bigger the tree the more valuable it becomes, as its fragrance increases with age…in small and young trees the roots only are fragrant.” [2]

What kind of soil do sandalwood trees need?

Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and saline soils.

What kind of sandalwood to plant in Hawaii?

It is important to plant out native sandalwood with a host plant, such as koa, koaiʻa or naio. However, ʻiliahialoʻe and ʻiliahi are not too choosy about host plants. The health of ʻiliahialoʻe and ʻiliahi is tied to the health of the neighboring plants.