Economic Botany Collection

Catalogue no.:

91 (temporary)

Botanical classification:

SANTALACEAE Santalum sp.

Common name:

Sandalwood

Geographical description:

Japan

Item description:

Sandalwood mala (prayer beads), identifiable by the pillar bead and attached string. The mala has many uses in Buddhism, for example to count mantras.

Length:

18cm

No. of beads:

37

Bead size:

0.4cm

Plant information:

Semiparasitic, small tree occurring throughout India, Malaysia, Australia and Pacific Islands. Sandalwood has a long lasting fragrance and is a sacred tree in Hinduism and Buddhism.

Donor:

Ruth Smith has spent many years collecting botanical jewellery from around the world and donated her large collection to Kew in 2005. It numbers over 200 items, made from various plant parts such as seeds and bark, from a wide range of species.