White sandalwood, also known as Santalum album, is an evergreen tree native to India. Its wood and essential oil are widely used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, perfumes, cosmetics, and incense. This tree has antibacterial and antifungal properties and can help reduce spasms and promote relaxation. However, prolonged use, especially in high doses, may affect kidney function. White sandalwood is highly valued and has been overharvested in the past, making its wild populations vulnerable.

Red sandalwood (Pterocarpus santalinus) is a valuable wood native to southern India, particularly found in the Eastern Ghats of Andhra Pradesh. It is well-known for its deep red color and high durability, making it popular for sculpting, furniture making, musical instruments, and traditional medicine. Due to its high economic value, red sandalwood has been overharvested and is now classified as an endangered species by the IUCN. The Indian government strictly regulates its harvesting and export, requiring special permits under the CITES Convention. Recently, the Andhra Pradesh government has been considering international auctions of red sandalwood to boost revenue.