- ylang-ylang
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/ee"lahng ee"lahng/, n.1. an aromatic tree, Cananga odorata, of the annona family, native to the Philippines, Java, etc., having fragrant, drooping flowers that yield a volatile oil used in perfumery.2. the oil or perfume.Also, ilang-ilang.[1875-80; < Tagalog ilang-ilang]
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or ilang-ilangThe name means "flower of flowers" in the Tagalog language. Tall (77 ft, or 25 m) and slim, it has smooth bark and is covered year-round with drooping, long-stalked, rich-scented flowers that have six narrow, greenish-yellow petals. The pointed oval leaves have wavy edges. Clustered, oval black fruits hang from long stalks. Leis are made from the blooms, and a delicate fragrance is distilled from the flowers. The woody ylang-ylang vine (Artabotrys odoratissimus), in the same family, is popular on trellises and patios in warm, moist climates.* * *
▪ plant(Cananga odorata), South Asian tree of the custard apple family (Annonaceae), in the order Magnoliales. A penetrating but evanescent perfume is distilled from its flowers.Ylang-ylang in Tagalog (a Philippine language) means “flower of flowers.” The slim smooth-barked evergreen reaches about 25 m (80 feet) and is covered year-round with drooping, long-stalked, rich-scented flowers that have six narrow, greenish-yellow petals 5 cm (2 inches) long. The alternate, pointed oval leaves have wavy margins and are 13 to 20 cm (5 to 8 inches) long. The clustered oval black fruits hang from long stalks. Leis are made from the blooms, and the perfume is steam-distilled from the flowers.Ylang-ylang vine (Artabotrys odoratissimus), also in the family Annonaceae, produces masses of small greenish white flowers in spring and clustered, long-stalked, yellow, plumlike, two-seeded fruits in fall. It is a source of commercial perfume. A 2- to 3.5-metre (about 6.5- to 11.5-foot) woody climber, it supports itself by hooks formed at the middle of the flower (and later fruit) stalks. Evergreen glossy leaves and fragrant flowers and fruits make it a valuable trellis or patio vine in areas of warm, moist climate.* * *
Universalium. 2010.