Santalum austrocaledonicum aka Coral Sea Sandalwood

Santalum austrocaledonicum is known as Pacific sandalwood. It belongs to the sandalwood family, Santalaceae. Its native range covers Vanuatu and New Caledonia. This evergreen shrub or small tree grows in dry, open woodland. It also occurs in forests that regrow after disturbance. People grow it for its scented wood and garden value.

Growth is slow, and the crown spreads as it matures. Garden descriptions give a height and width of 33 feet [10 metres]. Other accounts give heights from 16 to 39 feet [5–12 metres]. The trunk is short and often bent. It can reach 1.3–1.6 feet [0.4–0.5 metres] across. The tree has value as an ornamental, including when in flower. The supplied sources give no details of flower colour or fruit form.

This tree is a root hemiparasite. It draws some water and nutrients from nearby host plants. Without a host, it grows poorly. Young plants can share pots with Acacia, Calliandra, or Casuarina hosts. Calliandra needs cutting back so it does not shade the sandalwood. Birds spread its seeds into grassland, where it can establish new growth. This pioneer role has value, though PFAF also flags weed potential.

Choose full sun or a site with bright shade. The soil should be sandy or loamy and drain well. Neutral to slightly alkaline soil suits it best. It also tolerates poor, shallow ground and periods of drought. PFAF lists both dry and moist soils as suitable. Richer soil speeds growth, but taller neighbours may then crowd it out. It comes from warm tropical sites with a marked dry season. Its preferred annual mean temperature is 23–27°C. PFAF lists USDA zones 10–12. These sources provide no specific pest or disease details.

The yellow heartwood has a scent, fine grain, and lasting strength. Makers use it for boxes, carvings, and other small objects. Its oil has uses in perfume, cosmetics, incense, and religious rites. People also mix grated wood into coconut oil for scent. The oil's value limits use of the wood as ordinary timber. PFAF records no food uses, and neither source lists known hazards. This does not establish safety for people or pets. PFAF records a traditional preparation with Homolanthus leaves for lymphatic filariasis. That record does not establish that the treatment works.