Santalum album , is a small tropical tree, and the traditional source of
sandalwood oil . It is considered sacred in some religions, and some cultures place great significance on its fragrant and medicinal qualities. However, the high value of the species has caused over-exploitation , to the point where the wild population is vulnerable to extinction . Indian sandalwood still commands high prices for its essential oil owing to its high alpha santalol content, but due to lack of sizable trees it is no longer used for fine
woodworking as before. The plant is long-lived, but harvest is only viable after many years.
