Santalum ellipticum aka Coast Sandalwood

Santalum ellipticum, or coast sandalwood, is native to the Hawaiian Islands. It belongs to the sandalwood family, Santalaceae. This evergreen grows as a spreading shrub or small tree. It grows slowly and often has several main stems. Most plants reach 3–16 feet [1–5 metres] tall. Sheltered, moist sites can support trees reaching 39 feet [12 metres]. One source gives a spread of 16 feet [5 metres]. Another describes a crown half as wide as its height.

Its leaves are gray-green and range from soft to leathery. The trunk can reach about 1 foot [0.3 metres] across. Green flowers attract bees and other insects, which pollinate them. Ripe fruits turn purple to black and hold one seed. The heartwood yields scented oil and has value as aromatic wood. People grow this species in Hawaiian home gardens and ornamental plantings.

In the wild, coast sandalwood grows mostly near the sea. It also occurs on rocky slopes, ridges, and in dry gulches. Its habitats include dry shrubland and forest. It tolerates salt-laden coastal air and periods of drought. Grow it in frost-free conditions with good soil drainage. Light sandy or loamy soils suit it best. It also tolerates shallow soils with few nutrients. Sources describe a broad soil pH tolerance, with neutral to slightly alkaline soil preferred.

This plant is a root hemi-parasite. It draws some water and nutrients from nearby host plants. Without a host, it grows poorly. It prefers some shade at its sides, but little overhead shade. With a suitable host, it can grow in full sun. Deep shade does not suit it. Fresh seed gives the best chance of germination. A small nick in the seed coat can help seeds sprout. Sources flag weed potential but do not describe its severity.

The seeds are edible, though scarce seed is more useful for propagation. Sources report no known hazards; this does not establish safety for every use. Traditional remedies used powdered wood for sores and sexually transmitted diseases. Leaf washes served to treat dandruff and head lice. These records describe past uses, not proven treatments. The scented oil has uses in perfume, cosmetics, and incense. Wood powder and waste from carving also serve as incense materials.