Santalaceae

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Starr 021209-0016 Santalum ellipticum

Santalaceae, commonly known as the sandalwood family, is a diverse family of flowering plants belonging to the order Santalales. This family is notable for its cosmopolitan distribution, with species found in many parts of the world, including tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions. The Santalaceae family encompasses a variety of trees, shrubs, and parasitic plants, many of which are of significant ecological and economic importance.

Characteristics

Members of the Santalaceae family exhibit a wide range of growth forms and can be either hemiparasitic or fully parasitic, obtaining nutrients from the roots of host plants. The leaves of these plants are generally simple and without stipules, often arranged in an alternate fashion. The flowers, which can be unisexual or bisexual, are typically small and inconspicuous, arranged in clusters. They possess a perianth of usually four or five tepals and the same number of stamens.

Economic Importance

Several species within the Santalaceae family are highly valued for their aromatic heartwood, most notably the true sandalwoods belonging to the genus Santalum. The heartwood of these trees is used in traditional medicine, perfumery, and woodworking. Santalum album, or Indian sandalwood, and Santalum spicatum, the Australian sandalwood, are among the most commercially valuable species.

Ecological Role

The parasitic nature of many Santalaceae species plays a significant role in their ecosystems. By attaching to the roots of host plants, they can influence plant community dynamics and nutrient cycling. Some species are considered pests in forestry and agriculture due to their parasitic behavior on economically important plants.

Genera

The Santalaceae family comprises several genera, including:

• Santalum – True sandalwoods, known for their aromatic heartwood.
• Osyris – Includes species that are sometimes shrubby or tree-like.
• Exocarpos – Characterized by a unique fruit structure where the edible part is not the true fruit but an enlarged pedicel.
• Thesium – A genus of mostly herbaceous plants, which are also hemiparasitic.

Conservation

Some species within the Santalaceae family are threatened by overharvesting and habitat destruction, particularly those valued for their aromatic wood. Conservation efforts are necessary to ensure the sustainability of these species, involving habitat protection, regulated harvesting, and research into cultivation practices.

Classification

The Santalaceae family has undergone various reclassifications over time as new genetic and morphological information has become available. It is part of the order Santalales, which includes other parasitic plant families. The exact number of species and genera within Santalaceae varies according to different taxonomic treatments.

See Also

• Parasitic plants
• Sandalwood
• Medicinal plants
• Forestry