From Aesop to Estée Lauder, Australian sandalwood is coveted worldwide for its aroma. But experts say it’s at risk

Historically, Santalum spicatum grew across most of southern Western Australia and into South Australia. Photograph: Richard McLellan

Consumers and celebrities around the world covet it for its warm, earthy and musky scent. But Australian sandalwood’s popularity has come at more than just a hefty cost to the wallet, with some scientists warning the species is at risk of extinction in the wild.

“Australian sandalwood’s downfall is that it’s one of the most fragrant species of sandalwood in the world,” said Richard McLellan, an adjunct research fellow at Charles Sturt University.