🌳 Red Chandan (Red Sandalwood) – Plant Description
Botanical Name: Pterocarpus santalinus
Common Names: Red Sandalwood, Rakta Chandan, Raktachandan, Lal Chandan
Family: Fabaceae (Legume family)
🌱 General Description
Red Chandan is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree known for its deep red-colored heartwood, which is highly valued for medicinal, cosmetic, and spiritual uses. Unlike white sandalwood (Santalum album), Red Chandan does not produce fragrance, but its wood is prized for its color and healing properties.
🌿 Key Features
Height: 8–12 meters when fully grown
Trunk: Dark, rough bark with a reddish interior
Leaves:
Compound leaves
3–5 leaflets
Smooth, shiny green surface
Flowers:
Small
Pale yellow in color
Bloom in clusters
Fruits:
Flat, round, winged pods
Contain one or two seeds
Wood:
Deep red to purple-red color
Heavy, hard, and durable
Used for dyes, medicines, and crafts
🌞 Growing Conditions
Climate: Prefers hot, dry tropical climates
Soil: Well-drained, rocky or red laterite soil
Sunlight: Full sun
Watering: Drought-tolerant once established
Growth Rate: Slow-growing
🌿 Uses
✔ Medicinal Uses
Used in Ayurveda for
Skin infections
Rashes and burns
Reducing inflammation
Improving complexion
✔ Other Uses
Natural dye for textiles
Used in pooja, tilak, and rituals
Carving and wooden artifacts
Cosmetic formulations