Ylang Ylang, Perfume Tree

Cananga odorata

Physical Characteristics

Cananga odorata is an evergreen Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 7 m (23ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Insects. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid and saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

E. Asia - Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea to northern Australia.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Oil Edible Uses: Oil The essential oil from the flowers is used by the food industry, especially in peach and apricot flavourings[ 238 ]. It is used in candies, icings, baked goods, soft drinks and chewing gum[ 301 ].

Medicinal Uses

Antiasthmatic Antidiarrhoeal Antifungal Antipruritic Antiseptic Aphrodisiac Febrifuge Hypotensive Malaria Sedative Skin Stomachic The flowers, and the essential oil obtained from them, are antipruritic, antifungal, antiseptic and sedative, relieving tension, lowering blood pressure and reducing fever. They are also said to be aphrodisiac. The dried flowers are used in the treatment of malaria and the fresh flowers are made into a paste for treating asthma. Applied externally, they are used to treat skin irritations, conjunctivitis, boils and gout. They are added to bath water to treat impotence and frigidity. The essential oil is important in aromatherapy, where it is used in the treatment of tachycardia, rapid breathing, hypertension, gastrointestinal infections and psycho-sexual complaints. The flowers are harvested of a night time and dried for infusions or distilled for their essential oil. The leaves are used in a treatment for diarrhoea in infants. The leaves are also used in a remedy for treating boils. They are rubbed on the skin to treat itch. The bark is applied against scurf. An infusion of the bark is used for treating stomach ailments such as pains, indigestion and colic. Fluid from the pressed bark is used in treating toothaches and migraine headaches. The seed has been used externally to cure intermittent fever.

Known Hazards

None known