About this variety
Red Sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus, Chandan Red) Seeds
Pterocarpus santalinus, commonly known as Red Sandalwood or Red Chandan, is a slow-growing, deciduous tree from the Fabaceae family. Native to the southern regions of India, particularly Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, this highly prized tree is renowned for its rich red heartwood, which is used in traditional medicine, cosmetics, and high-value woodcraft. Red Sandalwood holds cultural and economic significance due to its rarity and multiple uses.
Characteristics:
• Plant Description: Red Sandalwood grows up to 8–11 meters in height, with a short trunk and spreading branches forming a rounded canopy. The leaves are pinnate and green, while its small, yellowish flowers bloom in clusters, eventually producing flat, pod-like seeds.
• Heartwood: The tree’s dark red heartwood is its most valuable feature, used extensively in carving, furniture, dyes, and traditional remedies.
• Climate Adaptability: Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.
Uses and Benefits:
• Timber: The richly colored heartwood is used for carving, high-quality furniture, and decorative items.
• Medicinal Properties: Red Sandalwood is used in Ayurveda and traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-soothing properties. It is often included in skincare products, teas, and tonics.
• Dyes and Cosmetics: The wood is used to produce a natural red dye for textiles and cosmetics.
• Cultural Significance: Red Sandalwood is considered sacred in many cultures, often used in rituals and religious ceremonies.
• Ecological Role: Provides shade and supports local biodiversity by offering a habitat for birds and insects.
Cultivation:
• Sowing: Scarify seeds by soaking them in warm water for 24 hours before planting. Sow in well-drained soil in pots or nursery beds. Keep moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually occurs within 2–4 weeks.
• Growth Conditions: Prefers full sun and thrives in sandy or loamy soils with good drainage. It is drought-tolerant and well-suited for arid or semi-arid climates.
• Maintenance: As a slow-growing tree, it requires patience and minimal maintenance. Protect young plants from grazing and extreme conditions.
Unique Features:
• Valuable Heartwood: The highly sought-after red heartwood is a premium material for crafting and medicinal use.
• Drought Resilience: Its adaptability to dry and poor soils makes it ideal for reforestation and sustainable farming in challenging environments.
• Cultural and Economic Importance: Red Sandalwood has been treasured for centuries as a symbol of wealth, health, and spirituality.
Conservation Note:
Due to overexploitation, Red Sandalwood is listed as endangered in its native range. Cultivating this tree contributes to its conservation and helps meet demand sustainably.
Shipping:
Available for shipping within India and worldwide. Orders are typically dispatched within 1–2 weeks.
From Deodar Seeds Company.
Pterocarpus santalinus, commonly known as Red Sandalwood or Red Chandan, is a slow-growing, deciduous tree from the Fabaceae family. Native to the southern regions of India, particularly Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, this highly prized tree is renowned for its rich red heartwood, which is used in traditional medicine, cosmetics, and high-value woodcraft. Red Sandalwood holds cultural and economic significance due to its rarity and multiple uses.
Characteristics:
• Plant Description: Red Sandalwood grows up to 8–11 meters in height, with a short trunk and spreading branches forming a rounded canopy. The leaves are pinnate and green, while its small, yellowish flowers bloom in clusters, eventually producing flat, pod-like seeds.
• Heartwood: The tree’s dark red heartwood is its most valuable feature, used extensively in carving, furniture, dyes, and traditional remedies.
• Climate Adaptability: Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.
Uses and Benefits:
• Timber: The richly colored heartwood is used for carving, high-quality furniture, and decorative items.
• Medicinal Properties: Red Sandalwood is used in Ayurveda and traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and skin-soothing properties. It is often included in skincare products, teas, and tonics.
• Dyes and Cosmetics: The wood is used to produce a natural red dye for textiles and cosmetics.
• Cultural Significance: Red Sandalwood is considered sacred in many cultures, often used in rituals and religious ceremonies.
• Ecological Role: Provides shade and supports local biodiversity by offering a habitat for birds and insects.
Cultivation:
• Sowing: Scarify seeds by soaking them in warm water for 24 hours before planting. Sow in well-drained soil in pots or nursery beds. Keep moist but not waterlogged. Germination usually occurs within 2–4 weeks.
• Growth Conditions: Prefers full sun and thrives in sandy or loamy soils with good drainage. It is drought-tolerant and well-suited for arid or semi-arid climates.
• Maintenance: As a slow-growing tree, it requires patience and minimal maintenance. Protect young plants from grazing and extreme conditions.
Unique Features:
• Valuable Heartwood: The highly sought-after red heartwood is a premium material for crafting and medicinal use.
• Drought Resilience: Its adaptability to dry and poor soils makes it ideal for reforestation and sustainable farming in challenging environments.
• Cultural and Economic Importance: Red Sandalwood has been treasured for centuries as a symbol of wealth, health, and spirituality.
Conservation Note:
Due to overexploitation, Red Sandalwood is listed as endangered in its native range. Cultivating this tree contributes to its conservation and helps meet demand sustainably.
Shipping:
Available for shipping within India and worldwide. Orders are typically dispatched within 1–2 weeks.
From Deodar Seeds Company.
