Marayoor-The Hidden Sandalwood Trove in Kerala

Abstract

Marayoor, located in the Idukki District of Kerala, about 42 km north of Munnar, is the only place in Kerala with natural growth of sandal wood trees (Santalum album L.; Santalaceae) (Figs. 1-2). This Nachivayal Sandal Reserve, occupying an area of 359.39 acres, is home to highest genetically diverse sandalwood, even though the population has come down from 1,86,594 to 60,000 in 2004 (Balsundaram, 2010: KFRI Research Report No. 349.). During a visit to the place in April 2018, it has been noted that Santalum plant species requires more or less level ground with hot summer days (35°C) and cool winter nights (15°C) and annual rainfall ranging from 1000 mm to 1500 mm, extending from May to August and October to December. It is reported that the best types of sandal wood trees are found here owing to a reduced rainfall which favours its abundant growth.