[1] It was discovered in the fruit kernels of three species of South American plants in the genus Ximenia, after which it is named.

[2] It can be extracted from the fruit kernels of the Santalum obtusifolium (Sandalwood)[3] and the Australian sandalwood Santalum spicatum[1] It is also found in seed oil of other plants in the Santalaceae family, including the native cherry Exocarpos cupressiformis and sweet quandong Santalum acuminatum.

[4] It was the subject of a 2003 European patent (for use in food).

[5] The patent application was deemed withdrawn in August 2012.

[6] It is used in some skincare products.