Red Sanders/Red Sandalwood
Red Sanders/Red Sandalwood has re-entered the endangered category of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)
Red Sandalwood has re-entered the ‘Endangered’ category of the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
In the year 2018, it was classified as “Near Threatened” from “Endangered” (classified in the year 1997).
Red Sandalwood (Pterocarpussantalinus)
- It is a non-aromatic variety of sandalwood. It grows mostly in rocky and mountainous areas.
- It is also locally known as ErraChandanam and RaktChandanam.
- It is an indigenous and endemic species to India. It is found only in the southern parts of the Eastern Ghats.
Required Geographical Location:
Soil: Soil containing laterite and gravel. It cannot grow in waterlogged conditions.
Climate: Hot and dry Rainfall: 500-800 mm.
Significance:
Medicinal benefits:
- This wood produces cooling effect when applied externally in headache, skin diseases etc.
- It is a suitable raw material for musical instruments and luxury furniture.
- It generates saline dye. It is used to impart color to food items.
Potential Threats:
Frequency of forest fires, illegal trade/harvesting, outbreak of invasive species, not enough time for species to grow naturally due to continuous harvesting etc.
Protection:
Listed in Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Threatened Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), and Schedule 6 of the Wildlife Protection Act (prohibited for cultivation and planting).
Source – The Hindu
