Ylang-Ylang
Cananga odorata
Family: Annonaceae · Also called Cananga, Flower of Flowers, Ilang-Ilang, Canangium, Fitzgeraldia
Floral · Year-round bloomer
Ylang-ylang is the tropical world's greatest fragrance tree, a tall, fast-growing tree that produces drooping, curly-petaled yellow flowers year-round, each releasing a scent so powerful it perfumes entire neighborhoods. The essential oil is extracted in fractions (extra, first, second, third), each with distinct aromatic profiles used differently in perfumery.
love, harmony, sensuality
In the Victorian language of flowers, ylang-ylang means “Sensual love and unity”. In the Philippines and Indonesia, ylang-ylang flowers are scattered on the beds of newly married couples. The oil is a key ingredient in Chanel No. 5. The name means 'flower of flowers' in Tagalog. In aromatherapy, ylang-ylang is used to reduce anxiety and lower blood pressure.
Did You Know?
Ylang-ylang oil is distilled in successive fractions over 20 hours. The first fraction ('extra'), collected in the first hour, is the most valuable and used in fine perfumery. Later fractions go into soaps and candles. A single mature tree can produce 20 kg of flowers per year.
Tropical rainforests of the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia
Ylang-Ylang is native to Southeast Asia. It naturally grows in tropical rainforests of the philippines, indonesia, and malaysia.
Scent Profile
“An intensely sweet, exotic fragrance with jasmine-like floral notes and surprising banana-custard undertones, heady and euphoric.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NameCananga odorata
- FamilyAnnonaceae
- Native ToSoutheast Asia
- Bloom SeasonYear-round
- LifespanPerennial
Cultural Significance
In the Philippines and Indonesia, ylang-ylang flowers are scattered on the beds of newly married couples. The oil is a key ingredient in Chanel No. 5. The name means 'flower of flowers' in Tagalog. In aromatherapy, ylang-ylang is used to reduce anxiety and lower blood pressure.