Adenanthera microsperma Seeds | Red Sandalwood

Red Sandalwood seeds (Adenanthera microsperma)

LATIN NAME: Adenanthera microsperma

COMMON NAME: Red Sandalwood, Coral Bead Tree

Plant Profile

Adenanthera microsperma — Red Sandalwood — is a species with genuine garden merit. Its open flowers are a reliable stop for bees and other pollinating visitors. The ratio of effort to reward here is about as good as gardening gets.

Science & Biotechnology

The species features in the wider study of the Adenanthera group, and its traits make it a useful subject for work on germination biology, cultivation and ornamental selection. Comparative botanical study of two closely related Adenanthera species has also helped clarify taxonomic boundaries within this small but visually striking genus. The upshot for anyone sowing it is reassurance — cultivated stock of this plant has a long, well-documented track record.

Uses & Benefits

Red Sandalwood works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. Bright scarlet seeds of this species are used in jewellery, decorative crafts and traditional games across parts of Asia, valued for their glossy colour and remarkable consistency in size, and tree itself provides useful shade and timber. As with related seeds in this collection, intact seeds are handled safely in craft use, but any cracked or damaged seed should be discarded rather than used, and seeds should always be kept away from young children. It takes hold quickly and asks for no special treatment from then on.

The bright red seeds of the red sandalwood tree are used as beads and traditional weights, while bark and leaf preparations appear in Southeast Asian folk medicine. The seeds are not edible and should be kept as ornament only.

Growing from Seed

Red Sandalwood is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. Keep medium warm and consistently moist, provide bright light, and expect steady, reliable growth from this adaptable tropical tree once seedling is established. Surface-sow onto a light, well-drained compost, dust over a thin covering, and keep evenly moist and sunny until the seedlings show. Once the seedlings have made true leaves, pot them on individually and plant out when they are sturdy and conditions are right.

Our Take

Its role in herbal practice, noted above, adds depth to an already garden-worthy plant. Red Sandalwood, Coral Bead Tree is the kind of plant that rewards a permanent spot. Give the seed freshness and steady moisture, and nature handles the rest.

Tree Seeds