Re: Sandalwood
Rick, I know nothing about the white sandalwood [a Chinese species?] and
just a smidgin about our Australian ones. S. acuminatum is the one grown and
harvested most in Aust. both for the wood and the fruit which is a quite
delicious bush tucker and makes great jam.
Some info on the S. acuminatum says that the seed may be germinated, using
seeds over one year old, by first sterilizing for half an hour in liquid
bleach [diluted] then placed in a plastic bag with some moist wood shavings
and kept at 16-20degreesC [F?....don't know] in the dark and germination
takes place after about 3 weeks. These plants are indeed partial parasites
and grasses are often used as hosts.
The S. lanceolatum is apparently even more difficult to germinate.
S. acuminatum is tolerant of moderate frosts, I would have thought perhaps
your zone 9. It grows mostly in arid and semi-arid areas.
Cheers,
Margaret.
Margaret and Peter Moir
Olive Hill Farm
Margaret River, Western Australia.
www.wn.com.au/olivehill
----- Original Message -----
From: Rick Walker <walker@cutter.labs.agilent.com>
To: <medit-plants@ucdavis.edu>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2000 9:06 AM
Subject: Sandalwood
>
> Anyone have any luck growing White Sandalwood (Santalum album) or the
> Austraulian species (Santalum spicatum/lanceolatum) in the SF Bay Area?
> Horizon Herbs carries S. album seed for $3.95/20.
> <http://www.chatlink.com/~herbseed/>
>
> I've read that Sandalwood is a parasitic plant and that Acacia acuminata
> is a common host. Zone 10-12 is recommended (30F minimum winter temps).
>
> Thanks for any tips,
> --
> Rick Walker
>
