Frequently Asked Questions
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Are there different types of Sandalwood?
Of the 15 different species of sandalwood that grow throughout the world, there are 2 main varieties that are traded internationally. These are Santalum spicatum (Australian sandalwood) and Santalum album (Indian sandalwood). Australian sandalwood currently supplies well over half of all sandalwood traded around the globe annually. Australian sandalwood has historically been used in the agarbatti and incense markets in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and other Asian countries. It has been widely accepted in these areas for over 150 years. In recent years Australian sandalwood oil has been incorporated into many high end perfumes and other cosmetic products. Australian sandalwood does produce a lower oil content when compared to Indian sandalwood although it consistently produces the oil forming heartwood from a young age. Australian plantation sandalwood has been tried and tested in plantations throughout Western Australia for over 25 years by both private and Government organisations.
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What is the difference between Australian & Indian Sandalwood?
Whilst the two main species of sandalwood grown in plantations both belong to the Santalum genus they differ in plant physiology, production techniques, markets and applications. Some of the main points of difference include:
Geographical Zone & Natural Distribution
Australian Sandalwood:
Native to Australia, it is the only desert species that grows in low rainfall areas without irrigation. Commercial produced in the Wheatbelt of Western Australia. Exported from Australia since 1840s and was once Western Australia’s largest export earner.
Indian Sandalwood:
A tropical tree native to India that is commercially produced under irrigation in India, Northern Australia, China, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.
Wood Products
Australian Sandalwood:
Primary harvested and sold in log form graded for heartwood content. Australian sandalwood is unique in the fact that the white sapwood does not require removal prior to oil distillation. Logs are primarily processed for either essential oil or as wood powders for incense. WA Sandalwood currently exports to Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
Indian Sandalwood:
Primarily harvested for oil extraction, Indian sandalwood logs require the additional step of removing sapwood prior to distillation as the sapwood impacts the oil quality.
Value of the Oil
Australian Sandalwood:
Oil currently sells for around US$1,500 per kg. The lower production and processing costs enables Santalum spicatum oil to be used in several applications and products targeting the emerging Asian middle class.
Indian Sandalwood:
Oil currently sells for around US$2,500 per kg with the price primarily driven by the alpha santalol content.