What Does Native Desert Grass And Sandalwood Smell Like?
Introduce the Topic
Native desert grasses and sandalwood trees have distinct natural aromas that come from the plants and woods that grow in hot, arid climates. Certain varieties of sweetgrass, like Hierochloe odorata, are commonly found in deserts and prairies in western North America. Sandalwood trees like Santalum spicatum are native to the Australian outback. The unique scents of these plants developed as adaptations to their environments.
Desert Grasses
Some of the main native desert grass species include Indian ricegrass, galleta grass, grama grass, threeawns, and bush muhly. According to a draft environmental impact statement from the U.S. Department of Energy, native desert grasses grow abundantly in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico in arid habitats with less than 12 inches of annual rainfall (https://www.energy.gov/nepa/articles/eis-0440-draft-environmental-impact-statement). Factors that influence their scent include the specific species, climate and soil conditions, time of year, and stage of growth. For example, some grasses like Indian ricegrass emit coumarin, a sweet, aromatic compound, while others like bush muhly have more herbal, piney scents.
Sandalwood Trees
Sandalwood trees (genus Santalum) are from the Santalaceae family. There are over 19 species of sandalwood trees found throughout Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. The most well known species is the Indian sandalwood tree (Santalum album) which is indigenous to India and has also been introduced to Australia and Hawaii. Sandalwood trees can grow up to 65 feet tall and the heartwood has a distinctive aroma. Sandalwood oil is steam distilled from the heartwood of sandalwood trees.
Sandalwood trees grow naturally in hot, dry climates and the roots have the ability to tap water sources deep under the ground. Sandalwoods are considered hemiparasites as they rely on the roots of other trees for nutrients and water. It takes about 30-60 years for a sandalwood tree to mature enough that the heartwood can be harvested for essential oil production. The older the tree, the higher the oil content in the heartwood.
To produce sandalwood essential oil, the heartwood is chipped or grated and steam distilled. It takes over 15 tons of sandalwood to produce 1 liter of sandalwood oil. This labor intensive process contributes to the high cost of genuine sandalwood oil. The yield of oil is highest in older trees that are 80 years or more in age. India and Australia are the main producers of sandalwood today.
Aroma Profile
Desert grasses, particularly those found in the Western Sahara region of North Africa, contain a unique aromatic profile. The primary compound is coumarin, which provides a sweet, hay-like scent [1]. Other grassy notes come from hexenols and trans-2-hexenal [2]. There are also subtle hints of citrus from compounds like geraniol. Compared to other grass aromas, desert grasses tend to be drier and less sharp – more of a soft, powdery smell rather than a fresh cut grass scent. The overall aroma is gentle, warm and comforting.
Aroma Profile
Sandalwood contains many fragrant compounds that give it a distinctive scent profile. The main aromatic compounds found in sandalwood essential oil include santalol, santalene, and santyl acetate.1 These compounds impart a rich, woody aroma with balsamic, sweet undertones.2 The scent is often described as creamy, smooth, lingering, and slightly spicy.
The woody aroma of sandalwood is similar to cedarwood or pine essential oils, with hints of vanilla-like sweetness. However, sandalwood has a deeper, fuller, more luxurious fragrance than other wood scents. The rich, resinous quality comes from the high concentration of sesquiterpene alcohols in the essential oil.
Scent Variations
The scent of native desert grasses can vary quite a bit depending on factors like climate, soil composition, and seasonal changes. Grasses growing in hot, dry regions often have sharper, more aromatic scents compared to cooler, wetter areas. For example, research shows creosote bush from the Sonoran Desert has a stronger, more pungent odor profile than sagebrush from the cooler Great Basin region [1]. Soil nutrients also impact scent – grasses growing in mineral-rich volcanic soil tend to be more fragrant.
Desert grasses follow seasonal scent cycles as well. During the rainy spring season, cool-season grasses emerge with fresh, grassy aromas. But as rainfall declines in summer, warm-season grasses take over, exuding sharper, spicier odors that deter herbivores. In fall, senescing foliage produces muskier, earthier fragrances [2].
Sandalwood trees also display seasonal variations in oil content and aroma. Sandalwood oil is most abundant and fragrant during the hot summer months when the trees are actively growing. The oil scent profile also evolves as trees mature – younger trees have fresher, sharper top notes, while older trees develop deeper, richer base notes with aging [3]. So sandalwood oil aroma depends heavily on the tree’s growth phase and season.
Cultural Significance
Sandalwood has long been culturally and spiritually significant in many regions, including India and the Pacific Islands. In Hinduism, sandalwood is seen as divine and is used in worship rituals, prayer beads, and incense [1]. Sandalwood is also culturally significant in Hawaii, where its fragrant wood was prized. However, overharvesting led to the near extinction of Hawaiian sandalwood trees [2].
Indigenous peoples have traditionally used desert grasses for a variety of purposes. Native American tribes used desert grasses to create baskets, nets, mats, and other woven items. The long leaves were also used for thatching and roofing material. In addition, desert grasses played a role in traditional ceremonies and were sometimes burned as incense. The seeds were gathered and ground into flour for food [3].
Commercial Use
Sandalwood oil is highly valued in perfumery and aromatherapy for its rich, woody scent. It has been used for centuries in incense and perfumes, especially in the Middle East and Asia [1](https://www.nativecos.com/products/deo-desert-grass-sandalwood). The demand for sandalwood has raised sustainability concerns due to overharvesting. Sandalwood trees are slow growing and take 30-60 years to mature enough to produce oil [1](https://www.nativecos.com/products/deo-desert-grass-sandalwood). As a result, there are efforts to commercially cultivate sandalwood to meet demand in a sustainable way.
Similarly, some varieties of desert grasses are also cultivated for commercial use. Native desert grasses like lemon grass, citronella, and palmarosa are grown for their aromatic oils, which have a dry, earthy scent [1](https://www.nativecos.com/products/deo-desert-grass-sandalwood). These grasses are more sustainable than sandalwood as they grow much faster and can be harvested yearly after the first year of growth. The cultivation of desert grasses allows their unique scents to be captured and used commercially in a responsible way.
Experience the Scents
The best way to truly experience the scents of native desert grasses and sandalwood is to visit areas where they grow in the wild. Some locations where you can smell these plants first-hand include:
Death Valley National Park in California – This arid park is home to desert grass species like red brome, Indian ricegrass, and needle grasses. The subtle sweet aroma from these grasses can be enjoyed while hiking the desert trails. (Source)
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park in California – The largest state park in California with 500,000 acres of native desert habitat. Desert wildflowers and grasses perfume the air in springtime. (Source)
Sandalwood forests in India – The native habitat for sandalwood trees is found in parts of India. Visit areas like Mysore to experience the rich, woody aroma. (Source)
If you can’t make it to these locations, you can still enjoy the scents by trying sandalwood-based products like perfumes, incense, soaps, and essential oils. Some recommended products to experience the signature scent include:
Native Desert Grass & Sandalwood Deodorant – With notes of sweetgrass, pear, and sandalwood (Source)
Sandalwood incense or essential oil – Available at many natural product stores
L’Occitane Sandalwood Soap – Made with 20% sandalwood oil (Source)
Conclusion
Desert grasses and sandalwood have distinct and fascinating natural fragrances. Desert grasses give off a light, sweet, hay-like scent that evokes the open countryside. Sandalwood has a richer, woodier aroma with subtly spicy notes. While desert grass varies in intensity through the seasons, sandalwood maintains its deep, long-lasting smell.
These natural fragrances have been used for centuries in cultural practices and commercial products. Their alluring scents connect us to the landscapes where they grow. When we experience the fragrances of desert grasses and sandalwood, we form deeper bonds to nature.
