Hawaiian sandalwood
Santalum ellipticum
Family: Santalaceae
What it is like
A bushy shrub or a small tree with several stems. It grows 5-10 m high. It has roots that grow attached to other plants from which is gets nutrients. The leaves are greyish green and 3-6 cm long. They are 2-4 cm wide. They can be leathery or soft. They usually have a fine white powder that can easily be rubbed off. The flowers are green and in compound groups. They have a sweet smell. The fruit are about 1 cm across and have a ring at the top. The fruit are purple to black when ripe. They contain one seed.
It is an endangered plant.
Where it is found
It grows in Hawaii near the coastline and on rocky slopes. It can grow up to 950 m altitude.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, China, Hawaii (country/location of origin), India, Japan, Korea, Pacific, Singapore, Taiwan, USA
How it is used for food
The seeds are edible and tasty.
Edible parts
Seeds
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed.
Its other names
Local names
Sandalo