Santalum yasi aka Yasi

Santalum yasi belongs to the sandalwood family, Santalaceae. Its common names include yasi, Fijian sandalwood and brown sandalwood. Kew places its native range from Vanuatu to Tonga. Other sources list Fiji, Niue and Tonga. It grows in open, dry woods and areas of regrowing forest. This tropical plant keeps its leaves throughout the year.

Yasi forms a shrub or small tree with a broad crown. It grows slowly, reaching about 26–33 feet [8–10 metres]. Some trees reach 49 feet [15 metres]. The reported garden spread is about 33 feet [10 metres]. Its short trunk bends and twists as it grows. The trunk can reach 1.3–1.6 feet [0.4–0.5 metres] across. Growers also plant it for its looks, including its flowers. Birds spread its seeds into grassland and other open ground.

This tree is a root hemiparasite. It draws water and nutrients from nearby host plants. Without a host, it grows poorly. Nursery growers can use acacias, calliandra or casuarinas as hosts. They must cut back calliandra to stop it shading young yasi. Fresh seed gives the best results, and scarifying helps germination. Seeds may take one to four months to sprout. Faster trees can shade yasi out, even where rich soil boosts growth.

Give it full sun or bright shade and soil that drains well. It prefers soil rich in humus but accepts poor, shallow ground. Sandy and loamy soils suit it. It tolerates acid through mildly alkaline soil, though near-neutral conditions suit it best. It can cope with drought and either dry or moist soil. In nature, its climate has a three- to five-month dry season. Its preferred mean annual temperature is 23–29°C. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 9–12.

People grow yasi on a small scale in Tonga for its heartwood. The yellow wood has a strong scent, fine grain and good durability. Its oil goes into perfumes, cosmetics, incense and religious uses. People also use grated wood to scent coconut oil. Carvers make boxes and small objects from the wood. A recorded traditional remedy combines sandalwood with Homolanthus leaves for lymphatic filariasis. This record does not establish its safety or effectiveness. The sources list no known food uses or hazards. They give no specific pest or disease details.