The tropical ylang ylang tree (Cananga odorata) is the source of one of the world’s most luxurious and widely used essential oils. This highly valued botanical produces a deeply fragrant extract that is a foundational component in high-end perfumery and wellness practices. The journey from the tree’s unique flower to the bottled oil involves a precise, multi-stage process that separates the extract into distinct commercial grades.
Identifying the Ylang Ylang Tree
The Cananga odorata is a fast-growing, evergreen tree native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia and islands across the Indian Ocean. In its natural environment, the tree can reach heights of up to 40 meters. However, specimens grown for oil production are typically pruned to a more manageable three to five meters, allowing for easier access to the blossoms.
The tree’s foliage consists of large, glossy, oblong leaves with distinct wavy margins. The flowers, which are the source of the oil, bloom year-round in warm climates. They are characterized by six long, narrow, drooping petals that mature from greenish-white to a rich, greenish-yellow color, resembling a sea star. The flowers possess a penetrating, sweet aroma that is most potent when harvested early in the morning.
Essential Oil Extraction and Grades
Ylang ylang essential oil is created using steam distillation, where steam is passed through the freshly harvested flowers to vaporize the volatile aromatic compounds. Unlike many other botanicals, ylang ylang is typically subjected to fractional distillation. This means the process is stopped at specific time intervals to collect different grades of oil, which are distinguished by their changing chemical composition as the distillation progresses.
The first fraction, collected within the initial one to two hours, is known as Ylang Ylang Extra. This grade has the highest concentration of light, volatile aromatic esters. The distillation then continues, yielding Ylang Ylang I, followed by Ylang Ylang II, and finally Ylang Ylang III. Each subsequent fraction contains less of the lighter, sweeter compounds and is defined by a specific density range. A grade called Ylang Ylang Complete is sometimes produced from a single, uninterrupted distillation run, blending all the fractional components.
The designation of these grades dictates the oil’s intended market and aroma profile, with earlier fractions being sweeter and more potent. A related but distinct product, Cananga oil, is sometimes confused with the lower grades. Cananga oil is typically derived from the tree’s non-flowering varieties or from a longer, single distillation that captures heavier, less-desirable compounds, resulting in a more herbaceous scent.
Primary Applications in Aromatherapy and Perfumery
The different grades of ylang ylang oil are utilized across the fragrance industries based on their aromatic characteristics. Ylang Ylang Extra, with its intense sweetness and rich, floral top notes, is reserved almost exclusively for high-end fine fragrances. It is valued as a radiant heart note and lends a lush floralcy to many iconic perfumes.
The lower grades (Ylang Ylang I, II, and III) are employed in a broader range of products like soaps, lotions, and candles, offering a warmer floral scent at a lower cost. In aromatherapy, the oil is commonly diffused or applied topically to promote calm and mood elevation. Its complex floral scent is recognized for its ability to soothe feelings of tension and anxiety.
Topical applications focus on the oil’s balancing properties, which help regulate sebum production in the skin and scalp. This makes it a popular ingredient in hair and skincare formulations aimed at managing both excessive oiliness and dryness. The oil’s rich, sweet fragrance helps create a relaxing atmosphere in personal care routines.
Cultivating the Tropical Tree
Successful cultivation requires a consistently warm and humid tropical or subtropical climate, ideally corresponding to USDA Hardiness Zones 10 through 12. The tree is intolerant of frost and thrives best when temperatures remain high. It requires well-draining soil, ranging from moderately acidic to neutral, and benefits from high organic matter content to support its rapid growth.
To ensure vigorous flowering and oil production, the tree needs a location that receives full sun for the majority of the day. Commercial cultivation involves the practice of regular pruning, which is a necessary horticultural intervention. This maintenance controls the natural height of the tree and keeps the flower-bearing branches accessible for hand-harvesting the blossoms.