Chandan (Sandalwood) Tree (Santalum album): Where It Grows in India and How to Plant It
Santalum album
Chandan, or Indian sandalwood (Santalum album), is a hemi-parasitic tree that cannot grow without a host plant beside it. How to plant it with the right host, where it grows in India including Rajasthan, how to recognise it and tell it from red sandalwood, care for the first three years, and the legal and theft cautions.
Toxicity
Cautions and safety
The biggest cautions with chandan are legal and practical: rules on cutting and selling it vary from state to state, and a growing tree attracts thieves.
- Check the rules first. The ICFRE article on Rajasthan and Gujarat says the rules on cutting, possessing and transporting sandalwood differ between states; in Gujarat, for example, chandan is a "reserve tree" that needs permission to cut and transport. Ask your state forest department about the current rules before planting for sale, cutting or selling.
- No host, no sandalwood. If the host dies, replace it quickly.
- Conservation. Sandalwood is Vulnerable (IUCN Red List global assessment, 2019) because wild trees have been heavily exploited. Never dig up wild seedlings or buy wood of unknown origin.
- Toxicity is not well documented. We found no curated data on whether the leaves, fruit, wood or oil harm people, dogs or cats. Do not eat any part, keep children and pets from chewing it or getting at sandalwood oil, and if anyone swallows some and feels unwell, see a doctor, or a vet for a pet.
- Humans
- Not verified — check before exposing pets or children
- Pets and animals
- Not verified — check before exposing pets or children
This article was prepared with AI assistance and checked by the GreenEye team against the sources shown in each section.
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