What is the Difference Between Hawaiian Sandalwood and Sandalwood

The main difference between Hawaiian sandalwood and sandalwood is that Hawaiian sandalwood smells sweeter than most other sandalwood varieties.

Sandalwood is a class of trees in the genus Santalum. It is one of the most expensive trees in the world. There are several varieties of this sandalwood available all over the world. However, Hawaii is home to several endemic species of sandalwood.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Sandalwood 
     – Definition, Features
2. What is Hawaiian Sandalwood  
     – Definition, Features
3. Similarities – Hawaiian Sandalwood and Sandalwood  
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Hawaiian Sandalwood and Sandalwood
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Sandalwood, Hawaiian Sandalwood, Sandalwood Oil

What is Sandalwood

Sandalwood is a class of trees in the genus Santalum. These trees are heavy, yellow, and fine-grained. Sandalwood has a unique fragrance, which is used to make the essential oil – sandalwood oil. Moreover, sandalwood trees can retain their fragrance for decades, unlike other trees. Sandalwood is one of the most expensive trees in the world, and it has been highly valued for many centuries. Moreover, they are hemiparasitic trees (this means they attach to a host plant and derive some of its nutrients from this plant). In addition, two of the popular members of this class include Australian sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) and Indian sandalwood (Santalum album). Sandalwood trees are also found in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, Hawaii, and other Pacific Islands.

Furthermore, sandalwood oil is an aromatic oil that has many health benefits. People use it to treat and manage conditions like the common cold, digestive problems, muscle problems, mental disorders, and urinary tract infections. It is also a popular choice for perfumes and aromatherapy.

What is Hawaiian Sandalwood

Hawaii is home to several endemic species of sandalwood. In fact, it’s the highest sandalwood diversity in any region of the world. Sandalwood is found in several regions of the islands – from coastal lines to high mountains. Moreover, the natives call it Ili`ahi.  The size of these trees ranges from small trees to shrubs. In the coastal areas, sandalwood forms as shrubs with long branches and thick leaves, while in the upper regions, they form as small trees.

Originally, these sandalwood trees (wood and oils) were used by natives for treating skin problems, scenting clothing, waterproofing, as well as, making various tools. The natives also use powdered wood as a fragrance. They also make valuable aromatic oils. Hawaiian sandalwood generally smells sweeter than most other sandalwood varieties. However, oil is usually produced from trees over 30 years old. Furthermore, between 1791 and 1840, Hawaiian sandalwood trees were harvested for export to China.

Similarities Between Hawaiian Sandalwood and Sandalwood

• Sandalwood has a unique fragrance.
• Moreover, sandalwood essential oil has a calming benefit and enhances one’s mood.

Difference Between Hawaiian Sandalwood and Sandalwood

Definition

Sandalwood is a class of trees in the genus Santalum while Hawaiian sandalwood usually refers to species of sandalwood endemic to Hawaii.

Varieties

Moreover, Australian sandalwood (Santalum spicatum) and Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) are two popular sandalwood species. On the other hand, Santalum paniculatum, Santalum ellipticum, Santalum freycinetianum, and Santalum haleakalae are the species of sandalwood endemic to Hawaii.

Smell

In addition, Hawaiian sandalwood smells sweeter than most other sandalwood varieties.

Conclusion

In brief, sandalwood is a class of trees in the genus Santalum, and Hawaii is home to several endemic species of sandalwood. The main difference between Hawaiian sandalwood and sandalwood is that Hawaiian sandalwood smells sweeter than most other sandalwood varieties.

Reference:

1. Schaefer, Anna. “Sandalwood Oil: Health Benefits and Uses.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 2 Aug. 2021.
2. “Sandalwood.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 11 Nov. 2021.
3. “Hawaiian Sandalwood.” Vterrain.
4. Leopold, Susan. “Big Island, Small Planet: Challenges and Failures in Conserving Hawaiian Sandalwood Trees.” American Botanical Council.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Sandalwood Essential Oil” By Itineranttrader – Own work, Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Santalum ellipticum (5188515642)” By David Eickhoff from Pearl City, Hawaii, USA – Santalum ellipticum Uploaded by Tim1357 (CC BY 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia