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(Santalum paniculatum)
Mountain Sandalwood (Santalum paniculatum)
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© Kyle Van Houtan
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
© Kyle Van Houtan
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © Kyle Van Houtan | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: vanhoutan | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Estimated Native Range
Climate Requirements for Hattiesburg, Mississippi
| This Plant | Your Site | Plant Suitability for Your Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| • Precipitation | 28" - 145" | 61" | Aquatic | Aquatic |
| • High Temp. | 52°F - 88°F | 93°F | Your summers may be too hot for this plant. | Too hot |
| • Low Temp. | 27°F - 62°F | 37°F | Your winter temperatures are normal for this plant | Excellent |
This plant may not grow well at your location - your precipitation is too high.
Summary
Santalum paniculatum, commonly known as Mountain Sandalwood or ’Iliahi in Hawaiian, is a slow-growing perennial tree endemic to the dry to moist forests of the Hawaiian Islands, particularly found at elevations from sea level up to 4,600 feet. This species can reach a height of 15-50 feet (4.6-15 meters) and a width of 15-30 feet (4.6-9 meters), with a rounded or spreading canopy. The leaves are leathery and the small, inconspicuous yellow or green flowers bloom in the spring and summer, followed by small, round, edible fruits that are enjoyed by birds.
Mountain Sandalwood is valued for its fragrant heartwood and essential oil, which are used in perfumes and aromatherapy. It is also appreciated for its cultural significance in Hawaii. In cultivation, it is used for reforestation projects and as an ornamental plant in larger landscapes. It requires full sun to part shade and does well in medium or fast-draining loam or clay soils, with low to medium water needs. Overharvesting and habitat loss have led to a decline in wild populations, making cultivation and conservation efforts important.CC BY-SA 4.0
Mountain Sandalwood is valued for its fragrant heartwood and essential oil, which are used in perfumes and aromatherapy. It is also appreciated for its cultural significance in Hawaii. In cultivation, it is used for reforestation projects and as an ornamental plant in larger landscapes. It requires full sun to part shade and does well in medium or fast-draining loam or clay soils, with low to medium water needs. Overharvesting and habitat loss have led to a decline in wild populations, making cultivation and conservation efforts important.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
- Height: 15-50 feet
- Width: 15-30 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Brown, Green, White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Fragrant
Natural Habitat
Endemic to dry to moist forests of the Hawaiian Islands at elevations from sea level up to 4,600 feet
Other Names
Common Names: Iliahi, ʻiliahi, Hawaiian Sandalwood
Scientific Names: Santalum paniculatum, Santalum ellipticum f. annectens, Santalum ellipticum subsp. annectens, Santalum ellipticum subsp. latifolium, Santalum ellipticum subsp. luteum, Santalum ellipticum var. latifolium, Santalum ellipticum var. luteum, Santalum freycinetianum subsp. latifolium, Santalum freycinetianum var. latifolium
GBIF Accepted Name: Santalum paniculatum