thumb|Santalum album
The Santalaceae, the sandalwood family, are a family of flowering plants (including trees, shrubs, and herbs) which, like other members of Santalales, are partially parasitic on other plants. Its flowers are often unisexual or bisexual. Modern treatments of the Santalaceae include the family Viscaceae (mistletoes), previously considered distinct. They are widely distributed worldwide, primarily across temperate and tropical regions. Many members of Santalaceae have a long history of human use. The stamens are fused to the corolla, with a reduced calyx. The ovary varies from fully to partially inferior and occasionally superior, as in the tribe Anthoboleae. Leaves may be deciduous or persistent depending on the biome of origin. Aerial parasitism via stem haustoria has been observed in Amphorogyneae, Eremolepidaceae, and Viscaceae. Multiple types of rare fatty acids have also been observed across various other plant structures.
Ecology
Members of Santalaceae can be found broadly distributed across the globe, with genera specializing in either dry or tropical regions. Mycorrhizal association has been found to vary across Santalaceae.
Uses
Multiple genera of Santalaceae have documented medical and cultural uses that date back as far as 2000 BCE. Sandalwood oil and wood is sourced from a variety of tree species within the family, which are considered sacred in Buddist, Hindu, and Muslim traditions. Research India is currently the largest producer of sandalwood oil, which is extracted from the heartwood of the tree. These include reproductive, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and oral disorders, among others., South America, and North America.
Conservation
There are 11 species of Santalaceae are listed as critically endangered under the IUCN list, with an additional 24 species endangered and 18 as vulnerable. Sandalwood tree species have been particularly impacted by overharvesting for commercial use, disease, and other anthropogenic activities.
Genera
40 genera are accepted.