Cananga odorata, commonly called Ylang-ylang ( /ˈiːlæŋ ˈiːlæŋ/ EE-lang-EE-lang),^[1] cananga tree, ilang-ilang, kenanga (Indonesian), fragrant cananga, Macassar-oil plant or perfume tree),^[2] is a tree valued for its perfume. The essential oil derived from the flowers is used in aromatherapy.

Artabotrys odoratissimus, ylang-ylang vine,^[3] and Artabotrys hexapetalus, climbing ylang-ylang,^[4] are woody, evergreen climbing plants in the same family; A. odoratissimus is also a source of perfume.^[3]

Description

Cananga odorata is a fast-growing tree of the custard-apple family, Annonaceae, that exceeds 5 m (15 ft) per year and attains an average height of 12 m (40 ft). It grows in full or partial sun, and prefers the acidic soils of its native rainforest habitat. The evergreen leaves are smooth and glossy, oval, pointed, with wavy margins, and 13–20 cm (5–8 in) long. The flower is drooping, long-stalked, with six narrow greenish yellow (rarely pink) petals, rather like a sea star in appearance, and yields a highly fragrant essential oil.

Cananga odorata var. fruticosa, dwarf ylang-ylang, grows as small tree or compact shrub with highly scented flowers.

Ylang-ylang has been cultivated in temperate climates under conservatory conditions.

Its clusters of black fruit are an important food item for birds, such as the Collared Imperial-pigeon, Purple-tailed Imperial-pigeon, Zoe's Imperial-pigeon, Superb Fruit-dove, Pink-spotted Fruit-dove, Coroneted Fruit-dove, Orange-bellied Fruit-dove, and Wompoo Fruit-dove.^[5]

Chemical constituents

Typical chemical compositions of the various grades of Ylang ylang are reported as follows:^[6]

• Linalool
• Germacrene
• Geranyl acetate
• Caryophyllene
• p-cresyl methyl ether
• Methyl benzoate
• Sesquiterpenes

Etymology

The name ylang-ylang is derived from Tagalog, either from the word ilang, meaning "wilderness", alluding to its natural habitat, or the word ilang-ilan, meaning "rare", suggestive of its exceptionally delicate scent.^{[citation needed]} A more widely accepted translation is "flower of flowers".^[3] The plant is native to the Philippines and Indonesia and is commonly grown in Polynesia, Melanesia, Micronesia and Comoros Islands.

Characteristics

The fragrance of ylang-ylang is rich and deep with notes of rubber and custard, and bright with hints of jasmine and neroli. The essential oil of the flower is obtained through steam distillation of the flowers and separated into different grades (extra; 1; 2; 3) according to when the distillates are obtained. The main aromatic components of ylang-ylang oil are benzyl acetate, linalool, p-cresyl methyl ether, and methyl benzoate, responsible for its characteristic odor.^[7]

Uses

The essential oil of ylang-ylang is used in aromatherapy. It is believed to relieve high blood pressure, normalize sebum secretion for skin problems, and is considered to be an aphrodisiac.^{[citation needed]} According to Margaret Mead, it was used as such by South Pacific natives such as the Samoan Islanders where she did much of her research. The oil from ylang-ylang is widely used in perfumery for oriental or floral themed perfumes (like Chanel No. 5). Ylang-ylang blends well with most floral, fruit and wood smells.

In Indonesia, ylang-ylang flowers are spread on the bed of newlywed couples. In the Philippines, its flowers, together with the flowers of the sampaguita, are strung into a necklace (lei) and worn by women and used to adorn religious images.

Ylang-ylang's essential oil makes up 29% of the Comoros' annual export (1998).

Ylang Ylang is a common ingredient in the herbal motion sickness product MotionEaze.

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Cananga_odorata

• Macassar oil
• Kananga Water
• Dwarf Ylang-ylang

References

• Elevitch, Craig (editor) (2006): Traditional Trees of Pacific Islands: Their Culture, Environment and Use. Permanent Agricultural Resources Publishers, Honolulu. ISBN 0-9702544-5-8
• Frith, H.J.; Rome, F.H.J.C. & Wolfe, T.O. (1976): Food of fruit-pigeons in New Guinea. Emu 76(2): 49-58. HTML abstract
• Manner, Harley & Elevitch, Craig (2006): Traditional Tree Initiative: Species Profiles for Pacific Island Agroforestry. Permanent Agricultural Resources Publishers, Honolulu.
• Davis, Patricia (2000): "Aromatherapy An A-Z". Vermilion:Ebury Publishing, London.