Pterocarpus indicus (Red Sandalwood)

Pterocarpus indicus (Red Sandalwood) is a large, often multi-stemmed, evergreen to semi-deciduous tree with drooping branches and a spreading dome-shaped crown. The alternate, odd-pinnate, leaves, 10 in. long (25 cm), are composed of 5-11 green leaflets which are broadly ovate to elliptic shaped. A profusion of fragrant yellow pea-like flowers cover the tree in spring. When in bloom, the tree is a sight to behold. The blossoms are attractive to bees. Lasting only one day, the flowers fall off the next morning, creating a vibrant yellow carpet on the ground. They are followed by flattened one-seeded disc-like pods, 2 in. across (5 cm), that persist on the tree for months. The gray-brown bark is finely fissured and scaly. The tree may produce red sap when cut. Native to tropical and temperate Asia, Malaysia and to the northern and southwest Pacific region, Red Sandalwood is a graceful tree that has been widely introduced as a flowering shade tree and street tree. Red Sandalwood is the national tree of the Philippines.

• Grows up to 80-100 ft. tall (24-30 m) and 50-100 ft. wide (15-30 m).
• Performs best in full sun in slightly acidic to neutral, moist sandy loam or clay loam soil. Tolerates saline soils and salt spray.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Deer resistant. Branches are weak and prone to be broken during storms.
• Propagated by seeds and stem cuttings.
• Native to India, China, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and Malesia.
• Red Sandalwood has been widely introduced due to its many uses as an ornamental, a shade tree, for timber, reforestation, living fences and a windbreak around croplands. This species has escaped from cultivation and has become naturalized primarily in riverine sites, open lowlands and secondary forests. It is included on a list of invasive species in Trinidad and Tobago.