Ylang-Ylang is a tropical tree that bears very fragrant, yellow, long-petalled flowers that are the source of the perfume that is known as Chanel #5. In Tagalog (a Philippine language), ylang-ylang means “flower of flowers.” Cananga odorata is a tall tropical evergreen tree native to southern India, Malaysia, the Philippines and other islands (including Molucca, Comoros Islands, Réunion, and Zanzibar) but is now pantropical. It is fast-growing and blooms when very young, making it an excellent landscape tree in tropical and moist subtropical climates. In favorable conditions C. odorata can grow over 60 feet high on a narrow, smooth-barked trunk. The tree has a nice columnar shape. As it ages, the trunk becomes crooked and slightly contorted. The 5-8″ long, pointed oval leaves have wavy margins and are arranged alternately on the brittle, drooping branches.
 
The flowers of C. odorata are borne in mass clusters along the elegant drooping branches. Each flower has six long, pointed petals. The buds open to pale lime-green, twisted flowers that turn a rich golden yellow when mature. The large, drooping flowers are up to 6″ long. Flowers can be produced at any time of year, but the flowers picked in May or June yield the most oil. Their sweet fragrance is most intense at night, as the flowers are pollinated by nocturnal moths. After fertilization, clusters small fruits are produced. These start out green, but turn dark purple when ripe. They are edible, with a tart, juniper-like flavor, but are rarely eaten.