Forest Sandalwood
Santalum freycinetianum
- Native to:
- Hawaii, United States
David Eickhoff (www.flickr.com) from Pearl City, Hawaii, USA
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Santalaceae
- Genus:
- Santalum
- Species:
- Santalum freycinetianum
- USDA Symbol:
- SAFR4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 1500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jan,feb,mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct,nov,dec
- Bloom Colors:
- cream, yellow, green
Wildlife Benefits
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- well-drained, rocky or sandy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to Hawaiian dry forests, prefers volcanic soil
Propagation & Germination
Pre-treatment: Scarification by clipping the pointed end of the seed coat without damaging the embryo. Soaking for 24 hours in 0.05% gibberellic acid. Dusting with 1 part powdered sulfur to 1 part Captan before planting.
Establishment: Flowering may occur year-round, with peak flowering in the late summer and fall, with fruits ripening several months later. Ripe fruits are reddish-purple to black. Seeds may be collected from the tree by hand or with a pole pruner, or collected from the ground. The plant is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands of Oahu, Kauai, Lanai, Maui and Molokai.
Source: npn.rngr.net