About Santalum obtusifolium R.Br.
Santalum obtusifolium, commonly called sandalwood or blunt sandalwood, is a shrub that occurs in eastern Australia. It most often grows to around 1 metre in height, but may reach up to 2.5 metres tall. It is found in eucalyptus forests and woodlands, frequently growing near creeks and typically located not far from the sea. It grows in areas with moderate to high rainfall, including Royal National Park and Lamington National Park. Its range extends inland from the coast as far as Yarrowitch, Megalong Valley, and Braidwood in New South Wales. Unlike other sandalwood species, little is known about the fruit, wood, or other uses of Santalum obtusifolium. There are, however, reports that its fruit is edible. A 2008 publication by Butaud records that Santalum obtusifolium fruit kernels contain 71.5% Ximenynic acid and 14.3% Oleic acid. The specific epithet obtusifolium comes from Latin, and refers to the plant’s blunt leaves. Santalum obtusifolium was first published in scientific literature in 1810, in Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae, written by the prolific Scottish botanist Robert Brown.
