檀香树（学名：Santalum album），又名檀树（《毛诗》、《本草》）、真檀（《本草纲目》）、白旃檀（《楞严经》），简称檀香，是檀香科檀香属的一种半寄生性植物。原产地为印度，后随佛教来到中国。品质纯正的檀香是一味中药材，分为檀香片和檀香粉，放在专用的檀香炉中燃烧，它独特的安抚作用可以使人清心、凝神、排除杂念，是修生养性的辅助工具。

常绿小乔木，高度达8至15米；长卵形叶子对生；花初为黄色，后变为血红色。

植株

叶

花

Santalum album or Indian sandalwood is a small tropical tree, and is the most commonly known source of sandalwood. This species has historically been cultivated, processed and traded since ancient times. Certain cultures place great significance on its fragrant and medicinal qualities. The high value of the species has caused its past exploitation, to the point where the wild population is vulnerable to extinction. Indian sandalwood still commands high prices for its essential oil, but due to lack of sizable trees it is no longer used for fine woodworking as before. The plant is widely cultivated and long lived, although harvest is viable after 40 years. Etymologically it is derived from Sanskrit Chandanam > Sandanam > Sandalum > Sandal.