Seriphidium diffusum

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Common products:
The species provides essential oil with santalol (primarily α-santalol) as the principal component, obtained by steam distillation of heartwood or roots; oil quality is defined by santalol content and is utilized in perfumery and flavoring.

Industrial and craft applications:
Heartwood is a natural source of santalol; the essential oil serves as a fragrance and as a flavoring agent in food and beverage applications. Sawdust or chips may be used as a substrate for flavoring or fragrance diffusion where permitted.

Food and beverages (non-medicinal):
α-Santalol is listed as a food flavoring in the Flavoring Extract Manufacturers’ Association (FEMA) GRAS list and the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (21 CFR 172.510). The essential oil or santalol itself is used at low levels as a flavoring ingredient in processed foods and beverages, with identity and usage level restricted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Colorants and tanning:
The literature does not report non-medicinal uses of this taxon as a dye, tannin, ink, or pigment source.

Wood and fiber:
Structural timber or fiber applications are not reported; the species is cultivated primarily for essential oil from heartwood/roots rather than for material products.

Fragrance and cosmetics:
The essential oil is a key component of natural sandalwood products in perfumery and is used in cosmetics and toiletries as a fragrance ingredient within the limits of the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) Standards and relevant national cosmetics regulations.

Properties relevant to use:
Santalol content and composition determine fragrance intensity and stability; the oil is valued for its characteristic warm, woody scent and is subject to identity and purity tests to ensure authenticity (e.g., chromatographic verification).

Standards and regulation:
Food and beverage use of the oil or santalol is governed by the GRAS listing and 21 CFR 172.510 in the United States. Cosmetics and fragrance uses are guided by IFRA Standards and local cosmetics law (e.g., EU Regulation 1223/2009). Indian sandalwood oil is subject to quality specifications and certification by national authorities (e.g., the Directorate of AYUSH).

Sustainability and sourcing:
Production is limited by long rotation times (several decades to maturity) and habitat constraints. The species is cultivated in several countries; monitoring of harvesting, seedling establishment, and provenance is recommended to maintain supply and support conservation. Certification and traceability systems are utilized in regulated markets.

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No distribution data was extracted from POWO/KEW yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.

No reference genome is available on NCBI yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.

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