🌳 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