Cananga odorata
ANNONACEAE. Indigenous
SIZE: Up to 20m tall; trunk size 60cm diameter
TYPE: Evergreen
HABITAT: Forested areas up to 800m altitude
Ilang-ilang (or ylang-ylang) blooms perfume many a Filipino memory. The curly and fragrant flowers dangle at the end of beautiful leis presented to loved ones, dignitaries and religious icons. In Australia, the ilang-ilang tree is used for rainforest regeneration due to its fast growth and fauna-attracting fruit. On the coast of East Africa, ylang-ylang plantations produce tons of flowers which are harvested and dried to make perfume, such as the famous Chanel No. 5.