Ylang-Ylang

Although difficult to spot on the tree because of their greenish colors, the flowers of the Ylang-Ylang (Cananga Odorata) perfume-tree show well in this photo. This is a fast growing tree that was decimated by hurricane Wilma two years ago. It was cut back to a stump but has now completely recovered, and is constantly in bloom. The flowers are large, greenish yellow (rarely pink), curly like a starfish, and yields a highly fragrant essential oil. The scent is overpowering as I stand close by to take the photos.

This is the flower that world famous Coco Channel used in her Channel No. 5 perfume in 1923. The essential oil of Ylang-Ylang is also used in aromatherapy.

The name Ylang-Ylang is derived from Tagalog, either from the word ilang, meaning "wilderness", alluding to its natural habitat, or the word ilang-ilan, meaning "rare", suggestive of its exceptionally delicate scent. The plant is native to the Philippines and Indonesia and is commonly grown in Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia.