Pterocarpus santalinus Seeds | Red Sandalwood
LATIN NAME: Pterocarpus santalinus
COMMON NAME: Red Sandalwood
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Red Sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus) stands out as a slow-growing, evergreen tree in the bean family. LATIN NAME: Pterocarpus santalinus COMMON NAME: Red Sandalwood red sandalwood is deep-red heart of old forests, and small, yellow flowers open in loose clusters among dark leaves. It is a tree of open, sunny, deep, well-drained ground. Plants that offer this much while asking this little are rare enough to treasure.
Science & Biotechnology
The species features in the wider study of the bean family, and its traits make it a useful subject for work on germination biology, cultivation and ornamental selection. Its behaviour in gardens is well recorded, thanks to a long history in cultivation.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Red Sandalwood earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. Red sandalwood is a fine, historic tree of study garden and warm collection. It is a fine, historic tree of open, sunny, deep, well-drained garden. Give young tree warm, sheltered corner, and deep-red heart will come in long run. Routine care after establishment is refreshingly light.
Pterocarpus gives padauk and other precious red timbers, and its heartwood and kino resin have Ayurvedic records for blood-sugar support; the red resin is also a traditional dye.
Growing from Seed
Raising Red Sandalwood from seed is straightforward. Fill a pot with a light seed compost, sow evenly on the surface, cover thinly and stand it somewhere warm, bright and evenly moist. Prick the seedlings out once they are large enough to handle, grow them on in bright light, and plant out when conditions allow.
Our Take
Red Sandalwood settles in quickly once it finds its footing. In a sunny, freely drained position it needs little looking after.
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