The most different Chandan plant (sandalwood ) , Types , Uses , Benefits .

 

Chandan plant (Sandalwood) is a class of woods from trees in the genus Santalum. The woods are heavy, yellow, and fine-grained, and, unlike many other aromatic kinds of wood, they retain their fragrance for decades. Sandalwood oil is extracted from the woods for use. Sandalwood is often cited as one of the most expensive woods in the world. Both the wood and the oil produce a distinctive fragrance that has been highly valued for centuries. Consequently, some species of these slow-growing trees have suffered over-harvesting in the past.

How to grow Chandan plant

1. Selecting the Site

Pick a sunny climate with moderate rainfall. Sandalwood does best in places with lots of suns, moderate rainfall, and fairly dry weather for part of the year. They prefer a temperature range of 12°-30° C (53°-86° F). The annual rainfall should be in the range of 850-1200 millimeters (33-47 inches).

Choose soil with adequate drainage. Avoid any soil that has experienced waterlogging, which sandalwood does not tolerate. If you are planting in sandy soil, make sure the water doesn’t drain too quickly.

Plant sandalwood beside a suitable host species. Sandalwood can only thrive if it grows alongside another plant that produces fixed nitrogen, a type of natural fertilizer. The sandalwood tree connects its root system to that of the host tree in order to get the nutrients it needs. Ideally, you should plant your sandalwood next to an already-established host species, such as long-lived wattles.

2. Germinating the Seeds

Soak and dry the seeds. Soak the sandalwood seeds for 24 hours. Let them dry under the full force of the sun. After 1 day in the sun, you should see a crack developing in the seed. At this point, it is ready for germination.

Mix the potting soil. You’ll need some red earth, cattle manure, and sand. In a wheelbarrow or other container, mix 2 parts red earth to 1 part manure and 1 part sand. Fill the planting tray with this mixture.

Plant the seeds. Plant the sandalwood seeds in a small container, such as a recycled carton or a planting tray. Fill the container with the prepared potting mix.

Water the seeds. Give a bit of water every day, but avoid waterlogging the soil, since the sandalwood tree prefers dry conditions. You should see the seeds begin to sprout within 4 to 8 weeks.

3.Transplanting the Seedling

Dig a hole for the sandalwood seedling. You’ll need a small shovel or a trowel. Create a planting hole that is 30 by 3 centimeters (11 by 1 inch).

Put the sandalwood seedling into the ground. When the seedlings are around 1 month old, you’ll need to transplant them. Use your trowel to loosen the soil around the edges of the planting tray. Put your fingers along the sides of the tray and pull up the sandalwood seedling. Holding it by the root ball, gently place it in the planting hole.

Plant the sandalwood seedlings close to the host plants. You’ll need to plant the sandalwood seedlings within 1 meter (3.3 feet) of the host plants. Unless the tree fixes onto the host species within the first 2 years, it will die.

Weed thoroughly during the first year. You’ll need to remove any weeds that are competing for moisture around the sandalwood tree, especially during the first year. You should also make sure the host species does not take too much light away from the young sandalwood tree.

4. Caring for a Sandalwood Tree

Water the sandalwood tree during dry periods. If you get a period of dry weather, water the sandalwood tree.

Prune the host species. If the host species begins to overshadow the sandalwood tree, you’ll need to prune it back. Otherwise, the sandalwood tree will not get enough light. Prune the host species so that it is a little bit shorter than the sandalwood plant so that the sandalwood gets adequate sun.

Protect your sandalwood tree from wild herbivores. Since herbivores love the taste of sandalwood trees, you’ll want to protect your plants. Avoid damage to your sandalwood tree by putting up a fence around the perimeter, which should help prevent herbivores from eating it.

Growing period 

The tree starts flowering after around seven years, and the tree trunk develops fragrant heartwood after 10 years. Sandalwood saplings should be planted in well-drained soil and watered frugally on alternate days. Reduce the volume of water as the years go by. Use organic manure (once in 45 days) only.

4 TYPES OF CHANDAN TREES IN INDIA | SANDALWOOD VARIETIES

1. Indian Chandan

The most famous source of sandalwood, this small tropical tree is native to south India. It can grow up to 13- 20 feet in height and holds various medicinal properties. The essential oil of this tree sells for high prices. Besides, it is also an important part of Indian culture and can live up to 100 years. The tree, however, comes under protection, as over-exploitation is leading to their extinction.

 2. Red Chandan

The tree is quite famous for its wood, which has a unique and vibrant red color. However, the beautiful looking wood of this tree is not fragrant. It is relatively small and can grow up to 20-25 feet tall. Red Chandan is also famous for its traditional medicinal uses, such as in the treatment of dysentery, bleeding, as an anti-inflammatory and antipyretic.

3. Sweet Chandan

This type of Chandan can be useful in the treatment of bronchitis, fever, common cold, headaches, and urinary tract infections. The essential oil from this tree is popular in the making of soaps, perfumes, and cosmetics. The oil also has uses in the food industries as well.

4. Malayagiri Chandan

An evergreen tree, Malayagiri Chandan, can grow up to 20-30 feet high. It is native to Mysore, Coorg, Hyderabad, Nilgiri, and Western ghats of South India. Although there are many varieties of Chandan, Malayagiri Chandan or Shrikhand is the sweetest and real of them all! The tree has a beige-white color wood with an enchanting fragrance. The wood of these trees has uses in the making of beautiful boxes and stools.

Benefits 

1. Sandalwood is anti-inflammatory in nature, thus it helps soothe inflammation in the urinary system and induces relaxation, thereby promoting easy passage of urine.

 2. It also increases the frequency and quantity of urination. This helps treat infections and inflammation in the urinary system because it flushes out dangerous toxins easily.

3. Works as a disinfectant and keeps bugs and germs at bay: Sandalwood is an essential oil, which has great disinfectant properties--the distinct aroma of this oil can drive away pests and is even used in insect repellents and pesticides.

4.  It improves memory and rouses your powers of concentration by keeping the brain cool, relaxed, and away from undue stress and anxiety.

5.Sandalwood is a mild astringent, which means it can bring minor contractions in your soft tissues, like gums and skin.

Chandan powder 

Sandalwood is an aromatic evergreen tree of the genus Santalum with a hefty, yellow, and fine-grained wood which was an integral part of perfumes, fragrances, colognes for times immemorial. Sandalwood oil and powder are used extensively for its impressive beauty and health incentives.

Sandalwood and rosewater pack can give relief from prickly heat caused by excessive sweating on the face, neck, back, or anywhere else on the body. Also, a pack made of sandalwood powder mixed with coconut and almond oil can remove sunburn and mute sun tan from any part of the body.