Adenanthera pavonina, also known as the red sandalwood, is a medium to large deciduous tree admired for its ornamental value and ecological benefits. Native to Southeast Asia and India, it has been introduced and naturalized throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The tree typically grows between 10 to 20 meters tall, with a broad, rounded crown and a straight, cylindrical trunk. Its leaves are compound and bipinnate, consisting of small, oval-shaped leaflets that create a soft, feathery appearance. During the flowering season, Adenanthera pavonina produces small, fragrant yellow to pale orange flowers arranged in elongated racemes. These are followed by coiled, dark brown seed pods that twist open to expose striking, scarlet-red seeds. The seeds are smooth, hard, and glossy, resembling beads or tiny jewels, and have been historically used in jewelry, rosaries, traditional games, and as units of weight in ancient India due to their uniform size. The wood of the tree is dense, durable, and valued for use in cabinetry, carvings, and firewood, while the foliage serves as livestock fodder. Additionally, the tree improves soil fertility through nitrogen fixation and provides effective erosion control in degraded landscapes. With its aesthetic appeal, practical uses, and ecological contributions, Adenanthera pavonina is a multipurpose species that plays both cultural and environmental roles in the regions where it thrives.