Santalaceae

thumb|Santalum album The Santalaceae, the sandalwood family, are a family of flowering plants (including trees, shrubs, and herbs) which, like other members of Santalales, are partially parasitic on other plants. Its flowers are often unisexual or bisexual. Modern treatments of the Santalaceae include the family Viscaceae (mistletoes), previously considered distinct. They are widely distributed worldwide, primarily across temperate and tropical regions. Many members of Santalaceae have a long history of human use. Due to overexploitation, several Santalaceae are of conservation concern.

== Description == === Flowers === Santalaceae flowers are highly variable. They are generally small with a valvate perianth in a single whorl. The stamens are fused to the corolla, with a reduced calyx. Flowers may be unisexual by abortion ("flower drop"). The ovary varies from fully to partially inferior and occasionally superior, as in the tribe Anthoboleae.