Ylang Ylang Tree & Essential Oil

About the Ylang Ylang Tree

It’s latin name is Cananga odorata – it is a tropical tree belonging to the custard-apple family (Annonaceae).  Other names for the Ylang Ylang tree include: the fragrant cananga, Macassar-oil plant, and perfume tree.

The Ylang Ylang tree is native to Indonesia (where it is called kenanga), Malaysia and the Philippines (where it’s name is ilang-ilang).  In the Taglaog language of the Phillipines, the word ilang means “wilderness”, which refers to the tree’s natural habitat. A common mistranslation of the Ylang Yang tree is “flower of flowers”. 

Ylang Ylang in Dominica

The Ylang Ylang tree grows easily in the Caribbean, reaching heights of 80 feet or more. One particular Ylang Ylang tree here in Dominica stands tall in the Roseau Botanic Gardens. Visit it in the late afternoon when it releases its delicious aroma into the evening air. The seems fairly hearty and grows in diverse climates throughout the island – it can be found in the drier southern area of Soufrière, the wetter mid-island region at Layou Park, and even in the capital Roseau.

Over the past few decades, Ylang-Ylang products such as perfumes, essential oils and soap have been made in Dominica, primarily on a small scale. Currently, I know of two local entreprenuers who use the Ylang Ylang fragrances in their natural products:

• Nature’s Caress
• Live Your Nature

Ylang Ylang Essential Oils

The oil from ylang-ylang is used to make essential oils and perfumes that have oriental-themed or floral-themed scents, such as Chanel No. 5.

Steam distillation of ylang-ylang flowers creates the essential oil, which is then separated into different grades.

Benefits of Ylang-Ylang 

Some benefits of ylang ylang essential oils include the following:

• provides relief from stress, anxiety, depression
• relief from high blood pressure
• can ease skin problems
• is considered an aphrodisiac

Ylang Ylang Berries/Seeds

Ylang Ylang Tree