Common Name:

General Information

Santalum haleakalae is an evergreen shrub or a tree, usually with several main stems and somewhat bushy. It usually grows 2 - 4 metres tall, with a dense crown about as wide as the tree is tall. The bole can be around 20cm in diameter[]. A root hemi-parasite, it obtains water and nutrients from host plants growing close by and does not grow well in the absence of a host[].
This tree, like several other species of sandalwood tree, produces a highly valued aromatic wood and essential oil. Both the wood and the essential oil are traded internationally[].The tree also has a number of traditional uses, as a medicine and food as well as a source of wood. An attractive tree, it is sometimes grown in home gardens and as an ornamental in Hawaii[].
In the Hawaiian Islands, during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the aromatic lower trunks and rootstock of native Sandalwood species were harvested in great quantity and shipped to China, where they were used to make incense, fine furniture, and other desirable products. The trees were harvested almost to extinction. This extensive and often exploitative sandalwood trade in Hawaii was an early economic activity that adversely affected both the natural environment and the human population. Indeed, this activity represented an early shift from a subsistence to a commercial economy in Hawaii that was to have far­reaching and long­lasting effects in the islands[]. The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Pacific - Hawaii, only on the island of Maui.

Habitat

Restricted to scattered areas in the subalpine shrub land on dry slopes, especially in foggy areas; at elevations from 1,900 - 2,700 metres[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	3.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Santalum haleakalae is a plant of sub-alpine elevations in the Hawaiian Islands, where it is found at elevations from 1,800 - 2,700 metres. It is found in moderately wet to arid areas, often with a 2 - 5 month dry season, and where there can be frosts[].
Prefers a position with moderate side shade, but little overhead shade; it grows poorly in deeper shade, but can do well in full sun if attached to a suitable host[]. Tolerant of a range of soil conditions, including infertile and shallow soils, but grows best in a light to medium, well-drained soil[]. Prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline soil with a pH 6.1 - 7.4, but can tolerate 4 - 7.4[]. Established plants are able to survive a long dry season (up to 5 - 6 months) when attached parasitically to suitably drought­tolerant host plants[].
Although the tree has become much less common in its native habitat due to the ravages of introduced grazing animals and rats, the tree does actually have the potential to become invasive, spreading by seeds and root suckers. However, this has not been seen as a problem in the past, mainly due to the high value of the wood and the ease with which they can be shaded out by taller trees[].
A slow-growing species, showing annual height increases of 30 - 70cm a year when young. Growth is faster in fertile soils but the tree is then at risk of being shaded out or overtopped by taller, faster growing trees on such sites[].
Under good conditions, plants begin flowering from an early age, typically about 3 - 4 years, but heavy flowering and
fruiting may take 7 - 10 years[].
Trees can flower and produce fruit throughout the year, usually with two peaks. The flowers produce a weak fragrance[].
Trees produce root suckers, especially if cut down, when a ring of suckers will often appear several metres away from the original stump[].
A semi-parasitic plant, obtaining some of its nutriment from the roots of other plants[]. The plant has green leaves containing chlorophyll, and is thus able to photosynthesize - it relies on host plants only for water and soil nutrients, not for sugars, which it can produce itself[]. It normally has more than one host at a time[].
In the field, seedlings should be planted near potential host plants[]. Seedlings are generally planted within existing vegetation near potentially suitable hosts[]. Success is generally good, especially in locations where seedlings can be watered occasionally and weed competition is controlled[].
Periodic trimming of the secondary host may benefit seedlings[].

Edible Uses

Seed - tasty[]. The scarcity of seeds, and their high value for propagation, makes their use as food somewhat inappropriate[].

Medicinal

A drink made from finely ground powdered heartwood, mixed with other plants, followed by laxative was used in curing venereal diseases in both males and females[]. The powdered heartwood is combined with Piper methysticum, Eugenia reinwardtiana, Bobea species and Alphitonia ponderosa[].
For treating severe sores, the powdered wood is combined with the wood of Melicope hawaiensis and Bobea species, combined with Piper methysticum and the bark of Syzygium malaccense[].

A shampoo made from a leaf infusion, sometimes combined with the ashes of Myoporum sandwicense, has been used for curing dandruff and eliminating head lice[].

Other Uses

A high quality essential oil is obtained from the heartwood. This oil was traditionally used to a limited extent to scent coconut oil (for application to the hair and body) and cultural artifacts such as tapa cloth. Today, the oil is highly valued for use in perfumery, cosmetics, incense sticks, aromatherapy etc[].

A mixture of heartwood and sapwood is powdered and made into incense or joss sticks which are used in eastern religious ceremonies. Sawdust, wood shavings from carving, or wood residue after oil distillation may be used[].

The highest value sandalwood is used for carving religious statues and objects, handicrafts, art, and decorative furniture. Larger basal pieces and roots are preferred for carving. In Hawaii, sandalwood is sometimes used to make musical instruments such as the musical bow (‘ūkēkē)[].
The wood has sometimes been used for fuel, but does not make a useful charcoal[]. The wood has usually been added in small amounts to a fire for its aromatic scent and as a mosquito repellent[].
The wood is rarely used for traditional purposes nowadays because of its scarcity and its very high cash value. However, it has been used for making canoe paddles, carvings, cultural purposes, medicine, and was burnt as an insect repellent[]. The heartwood was powdered and used to scent coconut oil, or sprinkled over new tapa cloth to perfume it and make it waterproof[].

Propagation

Seed - it has a fairly short viability and so is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a shady position in trays in a nursery. The optimum temperature for germination is between 28 - 31°c[]. Making a small nick in the seedcoat, without damaging the embryo, can help to speed up germination rates. Germination rates can vary, with up to 90% of seeds sprouting within three weeks when sown fresh and treated with a nick. Prick out the seedlings into individual containers when large enough to handle, perhaps placing a host plant in the pot at the same time. Gradually increase light levels as the plant grows until it is compatible with the plant's intended destination. Plant out when around 20 - 25cm tall[].
Container-grown plants need to be planted out close to a host tree by the time they are 6 months old[].

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