Santalum paniculatum
Hook. & Arn.
Mountain sandalwood,, 'Iliahi
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Summary
Source: WikipediaSantalum paniculatum is a parasitic rainforest tree endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. It is in the sandalwood family (Santalaceae), and is commonly called ili ahi, or Hawaiian sandalwood. The largest presently known, at Honomolino, South Kona District of the Big Island, is 20 m (66 ft) tall and has a diameter at breast height of 73 cm (29 in) (2.3 m girth) A century ago, S. paniculatum reached 25 m (82 ft) in height and a DBH of 1 m (3 ft 3 in). making it the largest known parasitic plant.
Description
A shrub or small tree. It grows 3-10 m tall. The leaves are greenish blue. They are narrowly oval and 3-8 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. The upper leaf surface is shiny and the lower surface has a white powdery covering. The flowers are usually at the ends of branches. They have a sweet smell. The flowers are small and contain both male and female parts. The fruit is fleshy and has one seed. The fruit are black or purple when ripe and 1 cm long.
Edible Uses
The seeds are tasty, though their scarcity and high value for propagation make using them as food somewhat impractical.
Medicinal Uses
A drink made from finely ground heartwood powder, combined with Piper methysticum, Eugenia reinwardtiana, Bobea species, and Alphitonia ponderosa, followed by a laxative, was traditionally used to treat venereal diseases in both males and females. For severe sores, the powdered wood is combined with wood from Melicope hawaiensis and Bobea species, along with Piper methysticum and the bark of Syzygium malaccense. A shampoo made from a leaf infusion — sometimes with added ashes of Myoporum sandwicense — has been used to treat dandruff and eliminate head lice.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant.
Where It Grows
Hawaii, Pacific, USA,
Cultivation
Santalum paniculatum is a plant of moderate elevations in the Hawaiian Islands, where it can be found at elevations from 450 - 2,500 metres. It is usually found in moderately dry to wet habitats in areas where there is a 2 - 5 month dry season and no frosts. Prefers a position with moderate side shade, but little overhead shade; it grows poorly in deeper shade, but can do well in full sun if attached to a suitable host. Tolerant of a range of soil conditions, including infertile and shallow soils, but grows best in a light to medium, well-drained soil. Prefers a neutral to slightly alkaline soil with a pH 6.1 - 7.4, but can tolerate 4 - 7.4. Established plants are able to survive a long dry season (up to 5 - 6 months) when attached parasitically to suitably drought_tolerant host plants. Although the tree has become much less common in its native habitat due to the ravages of introduced grazing animals and rats, the tree does actually have the potential to become invasive, spreading by seeds and root suckers. However, this has not been seen as a problem in the past, mainly due to the high value of the wood and the ease with which they can be shaded out by taller trees. A slow-growing species, showing annual height increases of 30 - 70cm a year when young. Growth is faster in fertile soils but the tree is then at risk of being shaded out or overtopped by taller, faster growing trees on such sites. Under good conditions, plants begin flowering from an early age, typically about 3 - 4 years, but heavy flowering and fruiting may take 7 - 10 years. Trees can flower and produce fruit throughout the year, usually with two peaks. The flowers produce a sweet fragrance. Trees produce root suckers, especially if cut down, when a ring of suckers will often appear several metres away from the original stump. A semi-parasitic plant, obtaining some of its nutriment from the roots of other plants. The plant has green leaves containing chlorophyll, and is thus able to photosynthesize - it relies on host plants only for water and soil nutrients, not for sugars, which it can produce itself. It normally has more than one host at a time. In the field, seedlings should be planted near potential host plants. Seedlings are generally planted within existing vegetation near potentially suitable hosts. Success is generally good, especially in locations where seedlings can be watered occasionally and weed competition is controlled. Periodic trimming of the secondary host may benefit seedlings. Flowering Time: Mid Summer Late Summer/Early Fall Mid Fall. Bloom Color: Pale Green Cream/Tan.
Propagation
Seed viability is fairly short, so sow as soon as the seed is ripe in a shady position in nursery trays. Optimum germination temperature is 28–31°C. Nicking the seedcoat without damaging the embryo can accelerate germination; with fresh seed and nicking, up to 90% can sprout within three weeks. Prick out into individual containers when large enough to handle, optionally placing a host plant in the same pot. Increase light levels gradually as the seedling grows. Plant out when around 20–25 cm tall, and ensure container-grown plants are placed near a host tree within 6 months.
Other Uses
A high-quality essential oil from the heartwood is prized today for perfumery, cosmetics, incense sticks, and aromatherapy. Traditionally it was used to scent coconut oil for hair and body, and to perfume cultural artifacts such as tapa cloth. Powdered heartwood and sapwood are formed into incense or joss sticks for eastern religious ceremonies, using sawdust, carving shavings, or post-distillation wood residue. The finest wood is used for carving religious statues, handicrafts, art, and decorative furniture, with larger basal pieces and roots preferred. In Hawaii it has also been used to craft musical instruments such as the musical bow. The wood burns well but does not produce useful charcoal; small amounts are added to fires for their scent and as a mosquito repellent. Due to its scarcity and very high cash value, traditional use is now uncommon, though historically it served for canoe paddles, carvings, medicine, and burning as an insect repellent. Powdered heartwood was also sprinkled over new tapa cloth to perfume and waterproof it.
Production
It grows slowly.
Synonyms
References (2)
- Elevitch, C.R.(ed.), 2006, Traditional Trees of the Pacific Islands: Their Culture, Environment and Use. Permanent Agriculture Resources, Holualoa, Hawaii. p 695
- http://www.ntbg.org/plants/plant details.php
