Sandalwood do I or don't I

[Paul B]

I have been offered a couple of Sandalwood seedlings (Santalum spicatum).
This is an australian native that is used for its oils in the perfume/ incense industry.

From what I can gather, this tree needs to be cultivated alongside a host plant as the root system is somewhat dependant apon the bacteria supplied via the host.
I am thinking maybe a group planting, keeping the host plant relatively small with the focus on the sandalwoods as bonsai subjects.
Any thoughts or input?

Cheers

[Paul B]

the host plant is acacia acuminata , a relatively slow growing acacia also known as raspberry jam tree

[shibui]

Santalum species are 'hemiparasites' and are part of the mistletoe family. Their roots invade the roots of other plants and join up to get water and nutrients from the host but they have green leaves to convert their own food and energy, hence not full parasites.
Your Nyutsia - 'christmas tree' has a similar hemiparasitic habit.
They use A. acuminata as a host because its easy to get and grow and is not so vigorous that it will swamp the santalum but it will probably use a wide range of plants, including grasses and larger trees, possibly even exotics? as hosts.
I'm told they are relatively slow to grow but should make a very interesting specimen - certainly a conversation starter! If there's any spares on offer I'd quite like to try one over here too.

Over this side of the continent I have been growing one of our root parasites - Exocarpus cupressiformis (for revegetation, not bonsai yet!). Small acacias have been the best hosts so far. I have also used a couple of native grasses as hosts but they tend to grow too fast and dominate the pots and the Exocarpus cannot grow very well.

I'm also involved with some trials to propagate one of our eastern sandalwoods - Santalum leptocladum (previously S. lanceolatum) - Northern sandalwood because its listed as rare in this area. Both cuttings and root cuttings will put out shoots and remain green for nearly a year but do not seem to want to grow roots. Our trees rarely produce seed. This species suckers readily so though each patch has plenty of trees they are all genetically identical, essentially one tree which may be why they don't produce seed. If anyone has any knowledge or even hunches on propagating these please let me know.

[Paul B]

Thanks shibui,

I love this site and the wealth of knowledge so freely given
I will endeavour to see if I can get a few spare and keep you posted. I agree, I think they would certainly be a conversation starter

[Joel]

Hi Shibui,

Would love to know more about the Exocarpus cupressiformis. I see them regularly around here and have always wanted to propagate them so I could have one in my yard (figured bonsai was too hard, but having a parent producing seed would give me the ability to play around and see what is possible). Did you germinate seed in a pot of couch as is recommended online? Have you tried eating any fruit? They are meant to be delicious.

This is really interesting stuff guys! Keep up the good work!

Joel

[shibui]

Hi again Joel,
My Exocarpus are from cuttings. Some took nearly a year to root but cuttings from young suckers (where the grader had cut the roots on the side of the road) struck quicker. The ones I struck were done at the end of November using standard techniques but I have not tried other times of the year.