Ylang-ylang

Description
Scientific Names: Cananga odorata
Common Names: Kenanga, Ylang-ylang, Dwarf Ylang-ylang
Plant Type: Small-size tree.
Height: 15-40 ft.
Native Habitat: Tropical rain forest.
Native Range: Indonesia, Philippines and North Australian.
Flowering Time: Flowering throughout the year.

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 inch) 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.

This one blooms year round and the flowers are fragrant. It can also bloom very young. The Ylang-ylang is a tropical plant, but can take down to the mid 30's for short periods of time. It grows well in pots and can be brought inside during the winter time if you give it good light and the right conditions. It prefers to be outside in filtered light and can take a little bit of direct sunlight. It likes average moisture. It is perfect for small gardens or pots. 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.

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. According to Margaret Mead, it was used as such by South Pacific natives such as the Samoan Islands where she did much of her research. The oil from Ylang-ylang is widely used in perfumery for oriental or floral themed perfumes and is said to be the key ingredient in Chanel #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 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.