Changes in the proximate composition of developing seeds of sandalwood (Santalum spicatum R Br) were quantiÐed. The developing fruits were collected regularly over a period of 5 months commencing 14 days after Ñower opening. Rapid deposition of seed lipid began at about 91 days after Ñowering (DAF) at a level of 4 g kg~1 and continued to about 396 g kg~1 at 147 DAF. Protein and ash contents displayed similar trends to that of lipid with a corresponding decrease in moisture content. Fatty acid analysis of the seed oil demonstrated marked changes in composition during seed development. In particular, major increases in oleic and ximenynic acids were noted with corresponding decreases in the other fatty acids.