Indian Sandalwood

It is native to India and planted in China, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Phillipines and other countries.

Prized for its wood and oil, its wood is banned from being exported by the Indian Government and strict laws govern the cutting of trees in South India. The notorious forest bandit Veerappan was involved in the illegal felling and smuggling of sandalwood trees from Indian forests.

In traditional medicine, its oil has been used for treatment of common colds, bronchitis, skin disorders, heart ailments, fever and inflammation of the liver.

Common names include Chandan in Hindi, Marathi and Bengali, Chandanam in Malayalam and Anukkam in Tamil.