Ylang-Ylang

Cananga odorata, commonly known as ylang-ylang, Macassar oil tree, perfume tree or cananga, is a fast-growing evergreen tree in the custard apple family, native from Indochina to northeastern Australia and introduced to many other regions. The name ylang-ylang is the Spanish spelling of the Tagalog ilang-ilang, and the common translation "flower of flowers" is a mistranslation. The very fragrant flowers have six yellow petals. The essential oil extracted from them is one of the most widely used natural fragrances in perfumery and soap making, and a base of macassar oil. Its scent is described as sweet, floral, balsamic, green, spicy, animal, woody, waxy and leathery. In Indonesia the flowers are spread on the bed of newlyweds, and in the Philippines they are strung into necklaces and used to adorn religious images.