Santalum
L.
Trees or shrubs, initially semi-parasitic on roots of other plants, later independent,
glabrous; branches slender. Leaves opposite to subopposite, rarely alternate, entire. Flowers
axillary or in terminal trichotomous paniculate cymes, 5-merous, bisexual; bracts minute. Perianthtube
campanulate or ovoid, adnate to the base of ovary, lobes 4 or 5, valvate, with a tuft of hairs
on the face; stamens 4 or 5, short, united at the base or throat of the perianth-lobes; disc
consisting of fleshy scales alternating with stamens; ovary superior during anthesis and later
half-inferior to inferior; style elongate; stigma 2 or 3-lobed; ovules 2 or 3, inserted below the top
of a long acuminate free central column, reflexed. Fruits drupaceous, annulated at top by the
deciduous perianth; seeds subglobose; endosperm copious; embryo terete, slender; radicle
longer than the cotyledons.
Mainly in Australia, extending to Hawaii, Malesia and Indian subcontinent, ca 25 species; one in India.
Literature. SRIMATHI, R. A., H. D. KULKARNI & K. R. VENKATESAN (1983). Phenotypes of Sandal (Santalum album L.). J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 80: 25 – 246.
Mainly in Australia, extending to Hawaii, Malesia and Indian subcontinent, ca 25 species; one in India.
Literature. SRIMATHI, R. A., H. D. KULKARNI & K. R. VENKATESAN (1983). Phenotypes of Sandal (Santalum album L.). J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 80: 25 – 246.
