Sandalwood (Santalum spp.) trees grow in a variety of climates around the world and are culturally and economically important to about 15 countries. Exploitation of the fragrant heartwood for carvings, oil, and incense in the past has led to the need to conserve and manage the genus. The first substantial logging of sandalwood in Hawaii in 150 years generated local controversy in 1988, uncovered misinformation and speculation about the genus, and eventually led to the symposium in 1990. Papers in this proceedings cover history, distribution, status, ecology, management, propagation, and use of sandalwood. A synthesis paper summarizes the state-of-knowledge of the symposium participants. Research is needed to fill gaps in information on various aspects of sandalwood in many of the countries where it grows.