Vella Chandandanam(White Sandal)

Vella Chandanam, also known as white sandalwood, is a small to medium-sized evergreen tree that belongs to the family Santalaceae. The scientific name of Vella Chandanam is Santalum album. It is a highly valuable tree, primarily due to the fragrant and aromatic heartwood that it produces, which is used in various religious and cultural ceremonies, perfumes, and cosmetics.

The tree can grow up to 12 meters tall, with a grayish-brown bark that is rough and fissured. The leaves of Vella Chandanam are ovate or elliptical, about 5-10 cm long, and have an alternate arrangement. The leaves are dark green and glossy, with a leathery texture.

The flowers of Vella Chandanam are small, dull white or cream-colored, and appear in clusters on the branches. The fruit is a small berry, about 1 cm in diameter, which turns red when mature.

The heartwood of Vella Chandanam is highly prized for its fragrance and medicinal properties. It contains an essential oil that is rich in santalol, which gives it a distinctive aroma. The heartwood is used in the production of incense, perfumes, soaps, and cosmetics. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, such as skin diseases, anxiety, and insomnia.

Vella Chandanam is native to southern India, Sri Lanka, and other parts of South Asia. It grows in a range of habitats, including dry and moist forests, as well as in sandy and rocky soils. Due to overexploitation and habitat loss, Vella Chandanam is currently classified as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, various conservation measures are being implemented to protect and preserve this valuable tree species.