Sandalwood (Osyris lanceolata)

East African Sandalwood (Osyris lanceolata) is a highly prized, slow-growing, semi-parasitic tree that produces one of the world's most coveted fragrant heartwoods and aromatic oils. Its creamy-white sandalwood oil is a cornerstone ingredient in luxury perfumery, incense, Ayurvedic medicine, and high-end cosmetics, commanding exceptional export value. It is a slender, elegant tree with small, narrow leaves and inconspicuous flowers followed by red berries. As a CITES-listed species, cultivating it legally and sustainably is both a commercial opportunity and a critical conservation contribution for one of Kenya's most over-exploited forest trees.