Research Article published by Scientific Research Publishing Inc.
The African Sandalwood plant (Osyris lanceolata ) is a threatened shrub or a small hemi-parasitic
tree endemic to East Africa and South African regions, which is being severely affected by uprooting
for oil extraction, poor natural regeneration, phenological structures (dioecious), medicinal
values, lack of sexual recruitment, habitat loss, anthropogenic and climate factors. It has been
found that through application of in situ conservation of natural trees with respect to rapid human
population growth, the available natural strands of valuable plants such as African sandalwood
have not been able to meet the demands of the people in world specifically developing countries.
However, advances in plant biotechnology provide new options for collection, multiplication and
short- to long-term conservation of Osyris lanceolata species, using in vitro culture techniques.
Different aspects of biotechnological applications can be extensively used to reduce the risk of extinction
of this valuable plant species and to improve the quality and quantity of essential oils
produced by it. Therefore, tissue culture appears to be a promising approach for the propagation
and conservation of African sandalwood plant.