Indian sandalwood (Santalum album L.) is one of the oldest perfumery materials in the world. It is in use for several centuries. It has been recognized worldwide as one of the most valuable and commercial tree species. It is one of the special forest wealth for southern states of India. Chandana is the Sanskrit name ascribed to sandalwood.

Sandalwood is an evergreen tree ranging in size from tall shrubs to large trees. It grows in variety of climates. It is distributed in peninsular India, parts of Malaysia and Australia.

The species is partial parasite, equipped with special structures (Haustoria) on its roots that penetrate the roots of host plants to obtain nutrients. Sandalwood tree is considered as a slow growing under forest conditions. There is a great difference in growth of trees when compared to natural forest and under plantation management. Sandalwood tree behave as fast growing tree under plantation management technique and reach commercial exploitable size in 14-15 years and on an average 20 – 25 kg of scented heartwood can be expected with an oil content of 3-3.5 percent.

 Sandalwood is generally planted at a spacing of 3 m. it is planted along with a host plant (either cajanuscajana or Sesbiniagrandis). The host plant has to be planted at one foot from sandal plant this is called intermediate host. A permanent host is also necessary for sandalwood. It has to be planted at least 2-3m away from sandal plant. The permanent host must be a tree species. Preferred hosts are casuarinas, pongamia, or any fruiting plant such as amla, jamun etc., Intermediate host has to be planted along with sandal plant. Permanent host could be plated subsequently after six months of sandal planting. Sandalwood tree produces rich scented heartwood and oil. Its wood is known commercially as “East Indian Sandalwood” and oil as “East Indian Sandalwood oil”.

Both wood and oil are used in incense, Jaw-sticks, Perfumes, soaps and in medicines. Sandalwood is one of the finest woods for carving, since it is closely grained with fewer knots. It is also used for making idols, boxes and other curios of exquisite beauty. The sandalwood has good history behind and is more culturally attached to different religions and the products derived have been in use for several centuries.