Lanai Sandalwood (Santalum freycinetianum)

Family: Santalaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Santalum freycinetianum or Lanai Sandalwood is a flowering tree endemic to the Hawaiian Islands and grows up to 9m tall and 25-30cm in bole diameter. Like other species in the Santalum genus, it obtains water and soil nutrients from a nearby host plant. It is slow-growing; Flowering commence 3-4 years after planting. Medicinally, the plant is used against dandruff, head lice, and sexually transmitted diseases.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Seed - tasty. The scarcity of seeds, and their high value for propagation, makes their use as food somewhat inappropriate. — The scarcity of seeds, and their high value for propagation, makes their use as food somewhat inappropriate.

Habitat & North American Range

Exposed, open grasslands on old lava flows in the dryer regions of Hawaii at elevations of 600 metres or more. Most often found on slopes and ridges, it can be locally common in dry, mesic, and wet forests. (Zone 9)