Adenanthera pavonina SANDALWOOD (10 seeds)

Saga Tree, sandalwood also known as Red Sandalwood, red bead Tree, or Adenanthera pavonina in Latin, is a large, fast-growing exotic tree reaching up to 10 meters in height. Native to the Amazon and parts of Asia, it belongs to the Fabaceae family.

Red Sandalwood seeds are striking red, oval-shaped, and have a very smooth texture. They measure 6 millimeters in diameter and weigh exactly 1 decigram each.

Its flowers are small, white, and yellow, growing in clusters and emitting a delicate fragrance that attracts many pollinators.

The fruits are brown pods, 20 cm long, which release the seeds upon reaching maturity.

- Uses:

Ornamental: The tree is cultivated for its aesthetic appeal, valued for its attractive foliage and flowers. it is often used in landscaping alongside other species.
Jewelry: The pearl-shaped seeds are commonly used to create ethnic jewelry and bracelets.
Cultural: In some indigenous cultures, the seeds are powdered and mixed with other ingredients to create an entheogenic drink.
Wood: The bark is smooth and grayish. It provides a precious, rot-proof exotic wood used for high-end furniture and traditional boat building.

- Sowing and Germination:

• The ideal period to sow the "Jewelry Tree" is from June to the end of July to take advantage of the summer heat.
• Lightly scarify the seeds with sandpaper (a few millimeters deep).
• Soak them in lukewarm water for 6 hours to accelerate germination.
• Bury them 1 cm deep in small pots filled with moist peat.
• Place the culture in a greenhouse at a temperature of approximately 30°C.
• Germination typically begins 2 to 3 weeks after sowing.

- Soil Type / Substrate:

Red Sandalwood requires mineral-rich soil, preferably with an acidic pH (heather soil or peat). Ensure excellent drainage at the bottom of the pot using clay pebbles or gravel.

- Watering:

It needs regular watering, especially in summer. Once a week is sufficient in winter, increasing to 3 times per week during the height of summer. Never overwater, as there is a significant risk of root rot.

- Light and Exposure:

The plant thrives in bright light, either in full sun or light shade. For artificial lighting, use neons, MH bulbs, or horticultural LEDs.

- Temperature and Hardiness:

The tree grows best between 20 and 35°C. Growth stops below 10°C. Caution: Adenanthera pavonina is frost-sensitive; it must be brought indoors for winter or grown outdoors only in very mild climates.

- Multiplication:

The only way to reproduce is through its seeds. Unfortunately, it cannot be propagated by cuttings.

- Pests and Diseases:

This versatile tree is generally not susceptible to diseases or insect pests.