Ylang-ylang

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iYlang-ylang

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Magnoliales
Family:	Annonaceae
Genus:	Cananga
Species:	C. odorata

Binomial name

Cananga odorata
(Lam.) Hook.f. & Thomson

Ylang-ylang, Cananga odorata, is a small but beautiful flower of the cananga tree. The tree attains an average height of 12 meters, grows in full or partial sun, and prefers the acidic soils of its native rainforest habitat. The leaves are long, smooth and glossy. The flower is greenish yellow or pink, curly like a starfish, and yields a highly fragrant essential oil. A related species is Cananga fruticosa which is a dwarf Ylang-Ylang growing as small tree or compact shrub with hightly scented flowers. Ylang Ylang has been cultivated in temperate climates under conservatory conditions.

The word derives from the Tagalog (one of the native languages of the Phillipine Islands) plant name ilang-ilang, and does not allude to the pleasant scent of ylang-ylang flowers.

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 component of ylang-ylang is methyl anthranilate.

Ylang-ylang essential oil is used in aromatherapy. It is believed to relieve high blood pressure, normalize sebum secretion for skin problems, and considered to be an aphrodisiac.^{[citation needed]} According to Margaret Mead, it was used as such by South Pacific natives such as the Solomons where she did much of her research.^{[citation needed]} The oil from ylang-ylang is widely used in perfumery for oriental or floral themed perfumes. Ylang-ylang blends well with most floral, fruit and wood smells. In Indonesia, ylang-ylang flowers are spread on the bed of newlywed couples.