Common Name: Bastard Sandalwood

General Information

Bastard sandalwood is quite variable in habit, ranging from a many-branched shrub to a small tree[]. At elevations above 750 metres it can get to 13 metres tall with age, but generally it is much smaller. In cultivation, it generally grows to about 4.5 metres, but it can get up to 7.5 metres tall and 3.6 metres wide[].
The plant is sometimes gathered from the wild for local medicinal use, and can also provide a useful timber.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Pacific - Hawaii.

Habitat

Occurs in a variety of habitats including in shoreline vegetation, a'a lava, and dry, moist, and wet forests[]. It is most common in subalpine forests[]. It is found at elevations ranging from sea level to 2,300 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	5.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

The plant flowers all year round[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The leaf buds and leaves are part of a formula used in Hawaii to treat asthma[]. They are combined with the leaves of Wikstroemia spp.; the bark of Syzygium malaccense; the tap roots of Waltheria indica); dried coconut (Cocos nucifera); and sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum)[]. They are all pounded into a mash and the mixture is strained with Cyperus javanicus[].

Other Uses

A pink dye is obtained from the flowers[].

The wood has an aroma similar to sandalwood[], and is sold as a substitute for that species[]. It is used for making house posts[].
The wood burns well and for a long time - it is used for torches[].

Propagation

Seed - pre-soak for 12 - 48 hours in water that has been heated to no more than 50 - 57°c[]. Scarifying the seed prior to soaking may decrease germination time[]. Sow the seed in containers and place n a shaded location. Germination time is sporadic and highly variable, ranging from 1 - 18 months with fresh seed germinating the soonest[]. Germination rates also vary, from 10 - 70% depending on the quality of the seed[].
Viability decreases with storage. However, if seed must be stored, air dry cleaned seed and place it in a paper bag or envelope. Place this in an airtight container with a desiccant and place it in a cool place at 25% relative humidity[].
Cuttings of soft or semi-hard wood, 8 - 12cm long[]. Reduce transpiration by cutting upper leaves in half[]. Even if using a mild rooting hormone, and a well-drained rooting medium such as sand, vermiculite or perlite, the cuttings can still take many weeks to root[].

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