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The Daily Insight

Where does ylang ylang originate from

Author

David Perry

Updated on May 01, 2026

Ylang ylang is a yellow, star-shaped flower that grows on the Cananga tree (Cananga odorata). This tropical species is native to countries surrounding the Indian Ocean, such as India, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and parts of Australia. Ylang ylang’s heady, aromatic scent is fruity, flowery, and rich.

Where is ylang ylang native to?

Ylang ylang is native to tropical Asia, Australia, and several Pacific islands, and has been introduced into Africa, China, India and the Americas. The main exporters of ylang ylang oil are Indonesia, the Comoro Islands, Nosy Bé (an island off the northwest coast of Madagascar),1 and more recently, the Philippines.

Is ylang ylang native to Australia?

Ylang-ylang is an Australian native with a heavenly scent that grows to be a huge tree. Not everyone can grow it in their garden. Desmos chinensis or the Small Ylang -ylang is a small relative of Ylang-ylang that grows to just one metre in height with flowers as powerfully scented as the larger tree.

Where does the name ylang ylang come from?

Etymology. The name ylang-ylang is the Spanish spelling of the Tagalog term for the tree, ilang-ilang – a reduplicative form of the word ilang, meaning “wilderness”, alluding to the tree’s natural habitat. A common mistranslation is “flower of flowers”.

Is Ilang-Ilang native to the Philippines?

Ilang-ilang is an indigenous tree of the Philippines but found all over Southeast Asia and South Asia, i.e., Cambodia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and farther on to China, Africa (Ivory Coast, Comoros), Reunion and the Seychelles as well.

What language is ylang ylang?

Ylang-ylang in Tagalog (a Philippine language) means “flower of flowers.” The slim smooth-barked evergreen reaches about 25 m (80 feet) and is covered year-round with drooping, long-stalked, rich-scented flowers that have six narrow, greenish-yellow petals 5 cm (2 inches) long.

Who discovered ylang ylang?

A bit of history Native to the rainforests in South-Eastern Asia, ylang-ylang or Cananga odorata was introduced by the French in the islands of the Indian Ocean at the end of the 18th century. The powerful and floral note of this very sensual and relaxing aphrodisiac became an icon of Mayotte.

Is ylang ylang an orchid?

Both hail from exotic flowers—vanilla from an orchid, ylang ylang from a flowering tree native to Southeast Asia. … Both were first used for medicinal purposes (most notably as an aphrodisiac).

Can you eat ylang ylang fruit?

Unlike some Annonaceae, Ylang-Ylang fruits are not used in foods; however they are quite edible and have the tart but pleasant aroma of a conifer or juniper. Even when not in bloom, the tree is very beautiful with branches that look like those of Christmas trees.

Is ylang ylang endemic to the Philippines?

Ylang ylang trees are native to Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia, and are grown in Madagascar, Polynesia, Melanesia, Micronesia and the Comoros islands.

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Is there another name for ylang ylang?

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.

What is ylang ylang in Malay?

In Malay, Ylang Ylang is also known as “Kenanga”. . The essential oil from the Ylang Ylang flower helps skin fight acne whilst retaining moisture.

What does ylang ylang look like?

Ylang ylang is a yellow, star-shaped flower that grows on the Cananga tree (Cananga odorata). This tropical species is native to countries surrounding the Indian Ocean, such as India, the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and parts of Australia. Ylang ylang’s heady, aromatic scent is fruity, flowery, and rich.

Where does ylang ylang grow?

The ylang ylang is best in Zone 10B and frost-free areas of Zone 10A. It should be planted in an area protected from winter winds. If your yard gets frost on occasion, cover the tree – or don’t plant one at all.

What plant produces Ylang Ylang?

The word ylang-ylang (pronounced: ilang-ilang) itself sounds soothing and almost tropical. But do you know what it is? Allow us to introduce you to this essential oil derived from the fresh flowers of Cananga odorata tree, which is commonly found in Indonesia.

How do you propagate ylang ylang?

To propagate your ylang ylang tree, open the fruit and extract the 2 to 12 seeds you find, rinsing them under running water to remove the oily flesh. Allow them to air-dry, and store them in an airtight container for 6 to 12 months for the best chances of germination.

What does ylang ylang represent?

Originating in the Philippines, ylang ylang means “flower of flowers” or “fragrance of all fragrances.” This fragrance is traditionally used in aromatherapy to sharpen the senses and to temper depression, fear, anger, and jealousy.

Is ylang ylang poisonous?

Many essential oils, such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, pine, wintergreen, and ylang ylang are straight up toxic to pets. These are toxic whether they are applied to the skin, used in diffusers or licked up in the case of a spill.

Is frankincense poisonous?

Frankincense is natural, but like many other natural substances, it can be poisonous. Some people who have used frankincense extract have experienced: stomach pain. nausea.

Can ylang ylang be grown in pots?

Ylang Ylang trees are native to tropical areas and are recommended for growing zones 9-11, where they will thrive in the heat and humidity. However, these trees also thrive in containers. If you live farther north than zone 9, place your tree in a container and bring it indoors during the colder months.

Is Ylang Ylang a herb?

Ylang ylang oil is made from the flowers of the herb Cananga odorata genuina. … In foods and beverages, ylang ylang oil is used as a flavoring. In manufacturing, it is used as a fragrance for cosmetics and soaps.

How do you pronounce ylang ylang in Tagalog?

Ylang-ylang (pronounced “EE-lang EE-lang” ) is Tagalog for “flower of flowers.” It refers to both a tree (Cananga odorata) and its fragrant flower.

Is Ylang Ylang good for skin?

Ylang-ylang essential oil has hydrating properties that aid in maintaining the skin’s oil production and keeps it well-nourished. Its natural antiseptic properties could even heal any kind of cuts or cracks caused by excessively dry skin. It can moisturize, replenish the skin as well keep it healthy.

Is Ylang Ylang good for hair?

Ylang-ylang essential oil. While those with oily hair and skin would want to skip this one, ylang-ylang oil is ideal for those with dry scalps, as it can stimulate sebum production. As lack of enough oil and sebum causes hair to become dry and brittle, ylang-ylang can improve hair texture and reduce hair breakage.

Can you be allergic to ylang ylang?

Ylang-ylang sensitivity can result in occupational contact dermatitis, especially among manicurists, hairdressers, aromatherapists, and individuals in the cosmetic manufacturing industry. Most of the reported cases have described hand dermatitis resulting from products containing ylang-ylang oil.

What scent is frankincense?

Frankincense has a very aromatic earthy scent. You will definitely get the Boswellia tree’s musty pine notes, along with citrus notes and spicy undertones. It is also quite similar to rosemary, which is a scent with which most are more familiar.

Is Ylang-Ylang a vine?

Ylang-ylang vine (Artabotrys odoratissimus), also in the family Annonaceae, produces masses of small greenish white flowers in spring and clustered, long-stalked, yellow, plumlike, two-seeded fruits in fall. It is a source of commercial perfume. A 2- to 3.5-metre (about 6.5- to 11.5-foot) woody climber, it…

What is the smell of ylang ylang essential oil?

Ylang ylang can be described as a deep, rich aroma that’s slightly sweet and floral. It brings hints of custard, jasmine, banana, neroli (bitter orange), honey and spice. It also bears characteristics of earthiness and greenery. Some people detect a subtle rubbery or metallic note with this essential oil.

What products contain ylang ylang?

Ylang ylang (pronounced EE-lang EE-lang) is derived from the flower of the tropical Cananga odorata. This essential oil is highly fragrant and is extensively used in perfumes and aromatherapy. It may also be found in vapor therapy oils, massage or bath oils, Lip Balms, and scented creams and lotions.

Do men like the smell of ylang-ylang?

Ylang-Ylang This tropical flower (FYI, it’s pronounced “ilang-ilang”) is rumored to be one of the most powerful aphrodisiacs, as it energizes both men and women, so you’ll both be feeling yourself (and maybe each other).

Is ylang-ylang used in Chanel No 5?

Chanel No 5 is probably the world’s most famous perfume and it has enjoyed a cult status since it was launched in 1921. Instantly recognisable, the fragrance is made up of distinctive notes of ylang-ylang, jasmine and rose, with the former giving the scent its beautiful, sensual feminine quality.