Sandalwood seeds for oleochemical industry: Sustainability in Sandalwood agroforestry

Abstract

Western Australian Sandalwood (S. spicatum R.Br.) is a hemi-parasitic arid tree which depends upon a host tree throughout its life. Large scale plantations have been established to cater for the future global demand as a valuable timber crop. Sandalwood takes several years to yield quality timber. Seeds are considered as a secondary income from plantations situated in the semi-arid areas of Western Australia. Seeds are large and contain a hard shell. Kernel is rich in oil which consists of a rare fatty acid, namely Ximenynic acid. Use of this seed oil in oleochemical industry has been envisaged. Current studies will report on the effect of geographical source, seed size, storage time and host trees on sandalwood seed oil.