Cananga
odorata
Hook.f. & Thomson
Ylang-Ylang Tree, Kenanga, Cananga, Chenanga, Kenanga Utan, Nyai, Nerian
The
kenanga is a common village tree in Malaysia. Its fragrant flowers are worn for
personal adornment. It was introduced to the island of Réunion in the western
Indian Ocean in the late 18th century, and from there to Nossi-Bé and the
Comoro Islands about a century ago (Klein 1975). The oil distilled from the
flowers is known as cananga oil or more commonly ylang-ylang oil, and is used in
perfumery (Arctander 1960, Klein 1975). This oil, when added to coconut oil and
other ingredients makes the Macassar oil (Corner 1952) so familiar to the well
groomed Edwardian male.