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Sandalwood
Santalum album
γγ£γ―γγ³
A hemiparasitic evergreen small tree native to India. Its fragrant sandalwood timber and essential oil have long been prized for perfumery, Buddhist implements, and incense. Introduced to Japan along with Buddhist culture.
Identification Points
- βHemiparasitic plant with roots attaching to host plant roots
- βLeaves opposite, elliptic to ovate
- βFlowers small, pale red; fruit a spherical drupe ripening to black
Habitat
Tropical plantations and temples (cultivated)
Season
Springβsummer (flowers)
Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification
Growth form
Tree
Evergreen/Deciduous
Evergreen
Leaf arrangement
Opposite
Leaf shape
Round
Leaf type
Simple
Venation
Pinnate
Petal count
3 petals
Stipules
Absent
Leaf dissection
Undivided
Flower symmetry
Actinomorphic
Stamen count
3-4
Phylogenetic Positionγγ£γ―γγ³η§ β
Phylogenetic Position
Angiosperms > Eudicots > Core Eudicots > Santalales > Santalaceae
Divergence Era
Late Cretaceous (ca. 85 million years ago)
Evolution Notes
Santalaceae are hemiparasitic plants that absorb water and nutrients from host plants via root haustoria while still performing their own photosynthesis.
View on evolution timeline βSources & References
AI-generated, needs verification