Question

Red Sandal Wood is
A. Santalum album
B. Pterocarpus santalinus
C. Pterocarpus marsupium
D. Butea monosperma

Answer 1

Red sandal wood is also called as red saunders, red sanders, Rakt chandan and sauderswood. Red sandalwood is the endemic species of the Southern Eastern Ghats mountain range of South India. Red sandal wood tree is valued for the rich red colour of its wood.

Complete Answer:
- The scientific name of the red sandal wood is Pterocarpus santalinus.
- Red sandal wood tree is a light demanding small tree. This tree is a fast growing tree in its young stage.
- The leaves of this tree are alternate and trifoliate with three leaflets. This tree is not frost tolerant, it gets killed by temperatures of -1 degree calcium.
- Pterocarpus santalinus has been listed as an Endangered species by IUCN because of its over exploitation.

Additional information:
A. Santalum album – Santalum album is commonly called as the Indian sandalwood. This wood is the traditional source of sandalwood oil. This species is native to Southern India and Southeast Asia. This wood is considered great in the religion, cultural and medicinal purposes.
B. Pterocarpus marsupium – Pterocarpus marsupium is commonly called as Malabar kino, Indian kino tree or vijaysar. It is a medium to large deciduous tree. This tree is native to India.
C. Butea monosperma – Butea monosperma is commonly called as the flame-of-the-forest and bastard teak. This species is native to the tropical and subtropical parts of India.
Therefore, it has been clear from the above discussion that the red sandal wood is Pterocarpus santalinus.

Hence, option B is the correct option for this question.

Note: Red sandal wood is used as a timber for making furniture. It is also used for making bridges. The red sandal wood contains many medicinal properties like antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, anthelmintic, etc. So, it can be used as a medicine against many diseases like dysentery, hemorrhage, etc.