ylang-ylang oil

essential oil

Also known as: cananga oil

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Last updated

July 15, 2026

Quick Summary

Ylang-ylang is a tree (Cananga odorata) native to the Malay Archipelago and the Philippines, known for its intensely fragrant flowers. The name "ylang-ylang" means "flower of flowers" in Tagalog. This evergreen tree, reaching up to 25 meters (80 feet), produces drooping flowers with greenish-yellow petals year-round.12

The essential oil, also called ylang-ylang, is steam-distilled from these flowers and is used in perfumes due to its penetrating yet evanescent scent. A related vine, Artabotrys odoratissimus, also in the custard apple family, is another source of commercial perfume.12

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Chemicals
Ylang-ylang, or cananga, oil is derived by simple distillation from the petals of fully opened flowers. Although the tree blossoms throughout the year, the flowers picked in May or June yield the highest amounts of cananga oil. Long known to the peoples of East Asia,…
Read More
Ylang-ylang, or cananga, oil is derived by simple distillation from the petals of fully opened flowers. Although the tree blossoms throughout the year, the flowers picked in May or June yield the highest amounts of cananga oil. Long known to the peoples of East Asia,…
Read More