Cananga Odorata is a species of the genus Cananga, also known as the Ylang-ylang tree. It is native to Southeast Asia and has a strong, sweet, and floral scent. The spelling of Cananga Odorata is pronounced as /kəˈnæŋɡə əʊdəˈrɑːtə/. The "a" in "Cananga" is pronounced as "uh," the "ng" in "Cananga" is pronounced separately, and "Odorata" is pronounced as "oh-doh-RAH-tuh" with the emphasis on the second syllable. This spelling helps to identify and distinguish the genus and species of this unique tree.
Cananga Odorata, commonly known as Ylang-ylang, is a tropical tree native to the Philippines, Indonesia, and other parts of Southeast Asia. It belongs to the Annonaceae family and is famous for its highly fragrant flowers.
The Cananga Odorata tree can grow up to 20 meters in height and boasts glossy, elongated, and ovate leaves that are dark green in color. The tree produces large, drooping yellow flowers that exude a delicate and captivating aroma. These flowers are the primary source of ylang-ylang essential oil, which is widely used in perfumery and aromatherapy.
Ylang-ylang essential oil is renowned for its sweet, floral fragrance, often described as exotic, sensual, and intoxicating. The oil is extracted through steam distillation of the freshly picked flowers. It has a yellow to amber color and a thin consistency. Ylang-ylang oil is utilized in various personal care products, including perfumes, soaps, and lotions, due to its pleasant scent and potential therapeutic benefits.
In traditional medicine, ylang-ylang essential oil is believed to possess antiseptic, aphrodisiac, antidepressant, and sedative properties. It is sometimes used to alleviate stress, anxiety, depression, and menstrual problems. Additionally, the oil is known to have a calming effect on the nervous system, promoting relaxation and improving sleep quality.
Overall, Cananga Odorata, or ylang-ylang, is an aromatic tree valued for its attractive flowers and the coveted essential oil extracted from them. Its fragrance has made it a popular ingredient in the perfume industry, while its potential health benefits have contributed to its use in traditional medicine and aromatherapy practices.
The word "Cananga Odorata" is derived from two sources.
The term "Cananga" comes from the Indonesian word "kenanga", which refers to a tropical tree called "Cananga odorata". This tree is native to Indonesia, particularly in the Moluccas and Nusa Tenggara regions. The flowers of the Cananga odorata tree are highly fragrant and are often used in perfumery.
The specific epithet "odorata" comes from the Latin word "odoratus", meaning "fragrant" or "having a pleasant smell". It was named such because of the strong and pleasing aroma that the flowers of the Cananga odorata tree give off.
So, the term "Cananga Odorata" essentially means "fragrant Cananga", referring to the highly scented flowers of the Cananga odorata tree.